Import of pulses allowed because of increased consumption: PC

Pune, Dec 2 (UNI) Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram today said import in pulses had been allowed because their consumption has increased and they were not grown in many countries.

''Import in pulses has been allowed because they are under pressure and their consumption has increased,'' he said, adding that the kind of pulses that are consumed in India are, however, only grown in Myanmar and few other countries.

Delivering the convocation address at the Symbsiosis International University here, Mr Chidambaram said the sowing area of wheat and pulses have increased and this is a good sign.

''Whatever has to be imported (even sugar) would be allowed when time comes. But the durable option is increasing the productivity by bringing more areas under cultivation,'' he said.

On the production of non-food items, the minister said it was not a problem and this could be taken care by initiating fiscal steps.

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