Lentil imports from Canada take a hit post diplomatic row

DIPLOMATIC row with Canada has impacted pulses trade. Imports of lentils from Canada have come down drastically in the past few months. On the other hand, lentil imports from Australia have increased by three times despite higher prices there.

- JITENDRA CHOUBEY

Diplomatic relation between India and Canada has plunged to new low after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused that India had role in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

This year, India has imported a total 6.10 lakh tonne lentils till August, and half of it came from Australia. Imports between April and August from Australia increased to 3.11 LT, while imports from Canada stood at 2.8 LT despite lower price there. Last year in the same period, imports from Australia was only 1.02 LT.