India likely to step up imports of pulses and edible oils from Brazil

● Tie-up on the cards for raising milk production

- SANDIP DAS

TO DIVERSIFY IMPORT dependence on a few countries, India is aiming to step up sourcing of pulses and edible oils from Brazil. The move is expected to bridge the shortfall in domestic supplies.

According to Suresh K Reddy, ambassador of India to Brazil, enhancing the sourcing of edible oils and pulses from the South American country would introduce "competition and better pricing," helping improve domestic supplies.

Currently, India imports about 58% of the country's consumption of cooking oils and 15% of pulses, respectively. Imports of these commodities are mostly from Indonesia, Malaysia, Canada, Australia, Ukraine, Myanmar, Mozambique and Malawi.