To boost the availability of pulses in the domestic market and bring down prices of the key protein source, the Centre has decided to import 5,000 additional tonnes of tur (arhar) and speed up the process of imports.
A further import of 3,000 tonnes of onions was also discussed at the weekly inter-ministerial committee meeting between the Consumer Affairs Secretary and officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and Commerce, Revenue Department and the Cabinet Secretariat, as well as States’ representatives.
“In a high level committee meeting, the Centre has decided to import an additional 5,000 tonnes of tur dal to increase the availability and control prices of pulses. Imports of 10,000 tonnes of tur and urad is already in the pipeline and the first consignment will reach by September 23,” said a release from Consumer Affairs Ministry.
The Committee was formed in order to take stock of the issue regarding high prices and stressed supplies of pulses and onions, both of which have been included for assistance under the ₹500 crore ‘Price Stabilisation Fund’.
“The Government has asked the MMTC to expedite import of pulses to ease its availability and requested the State governments to gear up (for) distribution of pulses through retail outlets. MMTC has assured that 10,000 tonnes of pulses will arrive soon,” another release added.
The two releases highlighted the steps taken by the Centre to prevent shortages, including the imposition of stock limits, a ban on pulses exports and a zero duty on imports, and suspension of future trading in urad and tur.
“Apart from short-term measures, the Committee also decided on medium and long-term strategy required to increase the availability of essential commodities…All the above measures are likely to moderate the prices of pulses,” added one of the statements.
Average retail prices for pulses, a staple for many, continues to remain high at ₹132 (arhar/tur) and ₹112/kg (urad) in New Delhi.
These prices are higher by 61 per cent and 35 per cent, respectively, compared to the same time last year.