The price of black gram plunged to K2.94 million per tonne on 28 February after it edged up to K3.222 million per tonne on 27 February, indicating a sharp drop of K280,000 per tonne.
The price fluctuation is closely tied to the demand of the leading buyer, India, and the kyat-dollar exchange rate.
The price hit a new peak of K3.5 million per tonne of black gram on 5 February 2024.
India also imports the black gram (urad) from Brazil and other countries. Yet, they prefer Myanmar’s black gram on account of better quality and higher availability of supply. India extended the free import policy of black gram (urad) and pigeon pea (tur) up to March 2025.
Additionally, India’s pulse output dropped more than expected due to erratic weather in India, prompting them to import a large quantity from abroad. India was reportedly to bring in 400,000 tonnes of pigeon pea (tur) and 1 million tonnes of black gram (urad) from Myanmar in two months (Jan-Feb) 2024, citing reports by foreign news agencies.
Myanmar conveyed over 1.4 million tonnes of various pulses worth US$1.182 billion over the past ten months of the current financial year 2023-2024 beginning 1 April, the Ministry of Commerce stated.
Myanmar mainly exports black gram, green gram and pigeon peas to foreign markets. Of them, black gram and pigeon peas are primarily shipped to India, while green grams are exported to China and Europe.
India has growing consumption requirements for black grams and pigeon peas. According to a Memorandum of Understanding between Myanmar and India signed on 18 June 2021, India will import 250,000 tonnes of black gram and 100,000 tonnes of pigeon peas (tur) from Myanmar for five consecutive years from 2021-2022 financial year to 2025-2026 FY. This G-to-G pact will not affect the pulses’ annual quota set by India. Myanmar’s exporters are also entitled to deliver the pulses to India under that yearly quota.
Myanmar Pulses, Beans, Maize and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association stated that black grams, which India primarily purchases, are commonly found only in Myanmar, whereas pigeon peas, green grams and chickpeas are grown in African countries and Australia. — NN/EM
