India’s restrictions of importing three major pulses from Myanmar have hit Myanmar’s pulses market. In early August, India announced a 200,000-tonne import quota on pigeon peas and 300,000-tonne quota on mung bean and green grams. A pulses trading association called for negotiation between the two nations to settle the problem as early as possible. Myanmar has blamed India for restricting import of three major pulses, saying that the move has plummeted Myanmar pulses industry into chaos. The restriction would help support prices of lentils in India but would put pressure on producers in Myanmar who rely heavily on export to India. Pulses trading association called for negotiation between the two nations’ authorities to find a settlement. Myanmar has been exporting peas to India for nearly three decades, while India exported medicines, sugar and agricultural machinery to Myanmar. Yangon’s commodity depot has ceased operation due to India’s import quota restriction on pulses, prompting the pulse prices to plummet. Myanmar exports around 1.5 million tons of pulses to foreign countries annually, of which India is the largest market. Now, surplus pulses are being stockpiled in Myanmar. Farmers from Ayeyarwady, Bago and Yangon regions are especially concerned about how to handle the produce after the October pigeon pea harvest.
