Prices of gram (chana) are likely to rise by around 7 per cent from April on account of lower crop output due to adverse weather conditions, an industry body has said.

“Output of chana (gram) will be lower this year by about 10 per cent as the crop was affected by adverse weather conditions in the main producing states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Rajasthan,” Mr Pravin Dongre, India Pulses and Grains Association President, told reporters here.

According to government data, last year the production was about 8.2 million tonnes. This will put pressure on prices, which is likely to see upward movement from April.

“Lower output will put pressure on chana prices, which may go up by 5-7 per cent from April onwards,” he said.

Similarly, the overall pulses production is also likely to dip by about 1 mt to 17 mt compared with 18 mt last year. About imports, Mr Dongre said they were likely to be similar or a little higher till March this year than last year’s 2.6 mt.

“The rupee fall has impacted the imports slightly. However, it is going to catch up in the remaining period,” he added.

Observing that imports for 2012-13 are likely to be higher by 5-7 percent due to estimated lower production in overall pulses, Mr Dongre said: “To bridge the demand-supply gap, imports will go up mainly from countries like Australia, Canada, Myanmar and Africa.’’

Meanwhile, the association has announced the first three-day ‘Global Pulses Conclave 2012’ for the world pulses industry and trade, which will begin from February 15. The event is supported by the Food and Public Distribution Department of the Consumer Affairs Ministry.

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