Lentil prices show upward trend

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FE Report
Prices of local and imported lentils have maintained an upward trend and increased by Tk 8.0 to Tk 12.0 per kilogram at the city's retail markets in the past week due mainly to ban on export of the commodity by India.
The Indian government recently imposed a ban on export of all varieties of pulses, excepting 'kabuli chana', for one more year, until March 31, 2010 to keep prices of the essential items stable. Prices of pulses have recorded an upward trend in India because of poor harvest, sources said.
Kalamia, trader of Bishmilla Store in Babubazar said, prices of local lentils were up due to supply shortage as the wholesalers could not import lentils from India because of restriction.
In the local markets, prices of different lentils also increased because of higher consumption during summer. During this period, demand for local lentils increases at least 20 per cent, Bimol Kor, another trader in the city's Shantinagar area said.
A kilogram of local lentil was selling at Tk 105-Tk 115 and imported lentil at Tk 88-Tk 98 on an average at the city's retail outlets, according to the city's different retail traders.
Prices of other local lentils, including Moong also increased by Tk 15 to Tk 20 per kg at the retail level. Price of Masur, highly consumed lentil, also increased in the local markets.
Now, Moong dal was selling at Tk 94 to Tk 104 per kg which was at Tk 60 to Tk 62 per kg two weeks ago. Gram (Chola Dal) was also selling at Tk 48 to Tk 50 per kg, which was at Tk 40 to Tk 42 per kg two weeks back.
The country needs around 1.5 million tonnes of different varieties of pulses annually. Masur is widely consumed and the country needs around 0.4 million tonnes a year.