Government taking measures to control prices of pulses

NEW DELHI: With pulses still ruling as high as Rs 200 per kg, the government today said it is taking several measures to boost domestic output and imports, besides taking action against hoarders to control rates.

"The central government is taking several measures to control the price rise of pulses," Agriculture Ministry said in a statement.

"On one hand, the government is trying to give relief to citizens by importing pulses from foreign countries or taking action against hoarders, on the other hand the government has taken several steps to increase pulses production and to incentivise pulses growing farmers," it added.

Dal prices have soared up to Rs 198 per kg in the retail markets due to fall of production in last two crop years at about 17 million tonnes in view of drought.

The government has recently announced a sharp increase in MSP of kharif pulses for the 2016-17 crop year to encourage farmers to grow lentils, the ministry said, adding that a committee under the Chief Economic Advisor has been set up to frame a long-term policy and review MSP and bonus for farmers.

The ministry said that the size of buffer stock has been raised to 20 lakh tonnes from the earlier 8 lakh tonnes.

Stating that the government is procuring pulses from local market to build buffer stock, the ministry said that 69,000 tonnes of pulses have been procured so far against a target of 1 lakh tonnes.

"Chana and masoor were procured at the rate of Rs 4,900- 7,000 and Rs 5,400-8,500 per quintal, respectively. The purchase of pulses is still in progress," the release said.

The government procured more than 50,000 tonnes of pulses in Kharif season last year.

To boost pulses production, the ministry said that all 638 districts of 29 states have been included in the National Food security Mission plan. "Goa, Kerala and 8 north eastern states and 3 hilly states have now been included in this mission."

The government has also enhanced allocation under this mission to boost pulses production, the ministry said.