Over 130,000 tonnes of pulses seized since imposition of stockholding limit

NEW DELHI: Authorities have seized over 130,000 tonnes of pulses since the imposition of stockholding limit on the commodity, the food and consumer affairs ministry has said.

"As per reports received from the state governments, till yesterday (December 2), 51,732.27 tonnes of pulses seized under de-holding operations have been auctioned or offloaded through other options in the market to increase availability," the government said on Thursday. "This will help moderate prices further."

After the Karnataka High Court declared the department of food & civil supplies’ seizure of pulses stored by traders as "illegal" in November, the ministry had ordered the release of pulses, edible oils and oilseeds.

"Efforts are being made by other states to expedite disposal of seized pulses as per the provisions of Essential Commodities Act," government said in a press release.

Over 14,314 raids have been conducted across the country, largely in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana by the Centre in the past few months to curtail hoarding.