New Delhi: The government has issued a tender to import 5,000 tonnes of urad (black matpe) from Myanmar and other countries to boost domestic supply from September and curb price rise of lentils.
State-run MMTC has invited bids for supply of 5,000 tonnes of black matpe but the quantity of shipment would be increased depending on the price bids.
This is the second tender floated by MMTC for import of pulses. The agency has already invited bids for import of 5,000 tonnes of tur dal (pigeon peas).
Retail prices of pulses, particularly tur and urad have risen above Rs 100/kg in most parts of the country due to short supply following a decline in domestic output by 2 million tonnes in 2014-15 crop year (July-June).
According to the tender, bids should be quoted in US dollar for a minimum of 2,500 tonnes. Both technical and price bids are to be submitted by August 4 and the tender will remain valid up to August 12.
The shipment should reach Mumbai and Chennai, not later than September 15. The lentil should be offered in jute or poly propping bags of 50 kg.
India imports about 4 million tonnes of pulses, largely through private trade, to meet domestic shortfall.
Pulses production is estimated to have fallen to 17.38 million tonnes in 2014-15 crop year (July-June) from 19.25 million tonnes in the previous crop year due to deficient monsoon in 2014 and unseasonal rains and hailstorms during March-April this year.
