June 24, 2006	Saturday	Jumadi-ul-Awwal 27, 1427

KARACHI, June 23: Local traders report an abrupt decision of the Indian government on Thursday to ban export of black gram that has upset their trade plans, as the commodity is not available anywhere in the world.

“Indian exporters are equally upset about the decision, as they were looking for making a quick buck following a sharp rise in black gram prices when the Trading Corporation of Pakistan floated its tender,” Raees Ashraf Tarmohammad, leader of the commodities traders group, said on Friday.

At present black gram is not available anywhere in the world and India was one possible source from where the TCP with the help of local traders was exploring import idea even at high cost. With Ramazan now 12 to 13 weeks away, the government with the help of local traders is quietly drawing up a strategy to build up stock of pulses, including black gram. Black gram and gram flour are most popular edible items during Ramazan and its consumption exceeds 120,000 tons as against a normal monthly consumption of 60,000 to 70,000 tons.

With the floatation of the TCP tender for import of black gram, prices went up steeply and Indian exporters were gearing up to make a quick buck when the Indian government intervened on Thursday in the interest of its consumers. About 1.2 billion people of India and Pakistan are perhaps the biggest pulse eaters in the world so much so that it had even surprised Zaheeruddin Babar, the founder of Mughal dynasty rule. In his memoirs Tozak Babri, Babar ridiculed the Indians for eating cereals with cereals, that is, rice with pulse or wheat flour bread with pulse. The Pakistan government too has intervened in the pulses market and imposed a 35 per cent regulatory duty on export and allowed duty-free import plus subsidy.

The Pakistani traders are now waiting for a black gram crop harvest in Australia in August where they would be in competition with the Indians. In fact traders in Jodia Bazaar say that a competition is already on for advance booking of import orders. Ethiopia is the other source of import of black gram.

More than a year ago, Pakistan exported a substantial quantity of pulses, including black gram, to India. This open trade has benefited traders and consumers of the two countries. Now both the countries are facing shortage of same items and are exploring the world market.

The Jodia Bazaar traders do not rule out to make a joint effort for the purchase of al such items, including black gram, to get better terms and prices and ensure a quick delivery.