KARACHI, May 24: The government’s decision to impose a 35 per cent regulatory duty on export of all pulses last week has caused a stir in the market. Traders are perturbed over blocking of their export consignments by the port authorities despite the fact that no SRO has been issued yet.

Traders are also worried over the fate of their contracts which they have already made with the foreign buyers before the decision.

They said the decision to restrict exports, which the government might have taken to stabilise rising pulses prices, was unlikely to bear any fruits, as only one commodity i.e. yellow split peas was being exported at a very low rate, while the entire trade of pulses was highly dependent on imports from various countries.

Adviser to Karachi Wholesale Grocers Association (KWGA) Anis Majeed said some containers of the traders of yellow split peas had been awaiting clearance at the port owing to last week’s decision. “There should be no duty on export of split pulses as it creates employment and generates foreign exchange for the country.”

Market people are importing whole yellow peas at $200-225 per tons and are re-exporting it (after processing and value adding $100 per ton), he adds.

“Export of pulses is not responsible for increase in prices. It is the international market rate and low crop production this year.”

At present mash, moong and gram pulses were not being exported, he said, adding that the government should think of imposing 35 per cent regulatory duty on whole pulses (sabit or raw material).

Giving an outlook of consumption, production and requirement/shortage for 2006, Mr Majeed said the consumption of desi chic peas was 650,000 tons in 2006, while its production was estimated at 300,000 tons and carryover stocks of last year stood at 150,000 tons. In 2005, total production of desi chic peas was one million tons as against 750,000 tons consumption, with a surplus of 250,000 tons. Around 100,000 tons were exported, leaving a carryover stock of 150,000 tons.

The consumption of green moong in 2006 is 120,000 tons, while the local production is estimated at 100,000 tons, leaving a shortage of 20,000 tons.

The local production of lentils (masoor) is estimated at 15,000 tons as against the consumption of 120,000 tons, leaving a shortfall of 105,000 tons in 2006. Black Matpe consumption is estimated at 75,000 tons, while there is hardly 20,000 tons of production. The rest of consumption will be met through 60,000 tons of import in 2006.

The consumption of Kabuli chick peas is estimated at 60,000 tons as against the production of 15,000 tons, thus needing 45,000 tons import this year. Red kidney bean import is estimated at 45,000 tons this year due to only 5,000 tons production as against its consumption of 50,000 tons.

Yellow/Dun peas will be totally imported this year because of nil production to cover up a consumption of 240,000 tons. So far 70,000 tons have been arrived while importers booked 170,000 tons.