Masur or Lentil is one of the earliest crops cultivated by human beings. A native of the central Asian region and known for its lens shaped seeds and vast range of colours, Masur dal still remains an important item in global food basket. Protein content of masur is rated next to soybean.
Global Situation
Global output of masur is estimated to be around 4 million tons per year. Leading producers are India, Canada and Turkey. However in 2006-07, the global output is expected to drop by 17 percent to 3.46 million tons mainly due to fall in production in Canada. Global supply, however, is expected to shrink by only 6 percent to 4.36 million tons due to carryover stocks.
Indian Situation
India is the largest producer of masur accounting for nearly 25 percent of the global output. Major centres of masur cultivation are Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. West Bengal, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and Assam also contribute to the country’s masur production.
Masur is sown during November-December and harvested in February- March. Peak season of supply begins from April.
India exports around 100,000 tons of Masur dal every year. The country also imports nearly 50,000 tons every year. The main destinations of exports are Sri Lanka, Egypt, UAE, Sudan, Yemen and Bangladesh. Imports are mainly from Canada, USA, Turkey and Australia.
Market Situation
Production of masur vacillates to a great extent every year according to the rains and moisture level in the soil. Prices are also influenced by imports and output in other countries as well as substitution with other pluses such as chana, tur, yellow peas etc.
India\'s Forex reserves fell to $311.79 billion, down by $691 million for the week ended June 27 as against $ 312.481 billion in the last week, RBI said in its weekly report.
Forex dealers said the rupee drew support from a firm trend in local equity market but was still under pressure due to fresh surge in crude oil prices.
Indian rupee opened trading in a positive note Friday as investors covered their short positions but with oil holding above $145 a barrel and shaky stock markets raising prospects for more capital outflows, gains may be limited.
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