The government today said that Urad imports from Brazil have increased to over 22,000 metric tonnes, up from 4,102 metric tonnes at the end of October this year. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution said that Brazil has emerged as a supplier of Urad in recent years and has the potential to become a major source of India’s Urad and Tur imports. It also noted that trade in pulses with countries like Brazil and Australia has been uniquely advantageous, as the difference in cropping seasons compared to India allows these countries to plan their cropping patterns based on India’s crop prospects. The Ministry further mentioned that onions are being distributed by the National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India in various districts of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and other Northeastern states. It added that the Department of Consumer Affairs is maintaining the pace of bulk disposal, with a shipment of 840 metric tonnes of onions arriving at Changsari Station in Guwahati on November 5th. The Ministry said this will ensure wider availability of onions in the Northeastern states and help maintain their availability at reasonable prices for consumers.