After the abolition of import duties on peas in India, the Russian Federation can begin to export this crop to the country. However, the chairman of the board of the Union of Grain Exporters, Eduard Zernin, does not expect large export volumes.
Zernin noted that the lifting of restrictions on the supply of peas to India opens up new opportunities for export, but only for a short period until March 31, 2024. He said that while they would try to take advantage of the opportunity to supply some peas, the results would likely not be spectacular.
Zernin recalled that pea production in Russia has increased significantly in recent years, and it is successfully sold in foreign markets, especially in China. However, due to high security barriers, supplies to India have not yet been carried out. He also noted that pulses are an important component of the diet of many peoples in Asia and Africa, which are key markets for Russian agricultural products. These markets are seeing growing demand for pulses, including peas.
In addition, India imports about 500 thousand tons of lentils annually, mainly from Canada and Australia. Zernin believes that Russia can become a competitor for these countries. He said that since the beginning of the season they have already supplied about 16 thousand tons of peas to India and see potential for further growth in supplies. He also emphasized that Russian plant growers need to pay more attention to the production and quality of leguminous crops, as well as adapt their crop rotation and agricultural technologies.
