Indian buyers expect no disruption in Canadian lentil, potash supplies

Synopsis Indian buyers are confident that Canadian lentil and potash supplies will remain consistent, despite the diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa. Orders for upcoming shipments are on track, and trade officials have not reported any disruptions. Canada is a key supplier of these essential commodities, which are crucial for India's agriculture and food sectors. Reuters Indian buyers do not expect supplies of Canadian lentils and potash to be affected by the diplomatic row between New Delhi and Ottawa, trade, industry and government officials said. Lentils and potash supplies from Canada have been steady, they said. Ties between India and Canada deteriorated sharply after New Delhi and Ottawa ordered six diplomats to leave in tit-for-tat moves over Ottawa's allegations that New Delhi was targeting Indian dissidents on Canadian soil.The worsening relations raised concerns over the supplies of lentils and potash from Canada. India is a leading importer of protein-rich lentils - a pulse variety used to make daal curry - a staple for millions of people.India also imports potash for its huge agriculture sector, which employs about half of its 1.4 billion people and accounts for nearly 15% of the $3 trillion economy. "Indian traders have already placed orders for shipments scheduled for October and November, and these are expected to arrive as planned," Bimal Kothari, chairman of India Pulses and Grains Association, said referring to lentil imports from Canada. India imports red lentils from Canada, Australia, Russia and Myanmar. India also imports yellow peas, another pulse variety, from Canada. "There has been no disruption in the trade of pulse between Canada and India," Kothari said. Consumption of lentils in India has risen to around 3 million metric tons, but output remains stagnant at about 1.3 million tons. India is the world's biggest producer of pulse varieties, with a production around 29 million metric tons, but it's not enough to meet local demand, making New Delhi the biggest importer of pulse. India has sufficient stocks of pulse and there are no supply disruptions, said a senior government official who didn't wish to be named.