Canada Markets

India Releases Third Advance Estimates

Cliff Jamieson
By  Cliff Jamieson , Canadian Grains Analyst
Connect with Cliff:
India's Third Advance Estimates included record production for several crops grown in 2016/17, including pulses. Production was tweaked higher to a total of 22.4 million metric tons, as compared to 16.35 mmt in 2015/16 and the 10-year average of 16.5 mmt. (DTN graphic by Scott Kemper)

India's Agriculture Ministry released their Third Advance Estimates on Tuesday with record crop production being the common theme for 2016/17. The country produced a record food grain production of 273.4 mmt, with record rice production accompanied by record production for wheat, corn and pulse crops. The government statement attributes this to "very good rainfall during monsoon 2016 and various policy initiatives taken by the government."

An expansion of pulse acres along with favorable moisture and improved yields led to a total pulse crop estimate for the year of 22.4 million metric tons, higher than the Second Advance Estimate of 22.14 mmt released in February and well above the 20.75-mmt target set for the crop year. This volume is 4.77 mmt higher than the five-year average and 6.05 mmt higher than the estimated production in 2015/16 production of 16.35 mmt. The previous record was set in 2013/14 at 19.25 mmt.

One recent media report from India suggests that India's pulse imports will reach a record high of 5.67 mmt in 2016/17, up 19.9% from the previous year, although the rebound to a record level of production is estimated to trim 2017/18 imports of all pulses by 20%, with consumption estimated at 24 mmt. One recent Twitter communication is questioning this year's 20% increase in imports despite a 35% increase in production. Pravin Dongre, chairman of India Pulses and Grains, told the online Business Standard that importers had significant positions on well before it was realized the crop was as large as it was which had to be honored. A further explanation pointed to the import of yellow peas, which are produced in small volumes in India. Regardless, Prairie prices could face further pressure.

P[L1] D[0x0] M[300x250] OOP[F] ADUNIT[] T[]

On Monday, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers released an update on market access to India's market. As it stands, normalized trade will continue until June 30, at which time new fumigation rules are introduced which require Canada to fumigate all product prior to shipping, which will place Canada at a disadvantage given the colder climate and the ineffectiveness of the treatment in colder temperatures. Pulse Canada continues to work with the government of Canada to seek resolution to this matter.

Recent trade data as of March shows that Canada's year-to-date exports of peas to India total 1.483 mmt (Aug-March), up from 1 mmt in the same period in 2015/16 and the five-year average of 794,000 metric tons. Exports of lentils to India over the same period total 662,174 mt, down from 791,000 mt in the same period last year and the five-year average of 361,300 mt.

Yellow peas have seen a recent bounce in price to an average of $9.08/bushel delivered to Saskatchewan plants, but remain well below the $13.58/bu reported this time last year, according to Statpub.com. New crop bids range from $7.60 to $8.00. Green peas are bid at $8.06/bu as compared to $9.80/bu a year ago, with new crop bid at $8.10 to $8.50/bu.

Large green lentils are reported to have stabilized at $48.57/cwt delivered to Saskatchewan plants, down sharply from $74.83/bu a year ago. New-crop is bid at $34 to $41/cwt. Red lentils have stabilized at $25.09/cwt, down from $47 this time last year, with new-crop ranging from $22 to $25/cwt.

Cliff Jamieson can be reached at cliff.jamieson@dtn.com

Follow Cliff Jamieson on Twitter @CliffJamieson

(CZ)

P[] D[728x170] M[320x75] OOP[F] ADUNIT[] T[]
P[L2] D[728x90] M[320x50] OOP[F] ADUNIT[] T[]

Comments

To comment, please Log In or Join our Community .