For the first time, the government had last year decided to create a buffer stock of pulses to ensure better prices to farmers and at the same time use the stock to augment local supply in times of price rise. About 20 lakh tonnes of buffer were created through local procurement and imports.
"We still have a buffer stock of 18 lakh tonnes in our godowns. We have decided to dispose of some quantity to states and also use in welfare schemes," Paswan told reporters.
Around 2 lakh tonnes of pulses will be given for consumption under various central welfare schemes like midday meal programme, for which a cabinet nod will be taken soon, he added.
The minister also mentioned that some quantity is already being sold in the open market via auction route.
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About 2 lakh tonnes have been sold via auction so far but the ministry's target is to dispose of 4 lakh tonnes of pulses, as per the ministry's data.
"If atleast 10 lakh tonnes of pulses is cleared from our stocks, then we will be able to manage with rest 10 lakh tonnes easily. We will clear older stocks first," Consumer Affairs Secretary Avinash Srivastav told PTI separately.
It may be noted that the government had last year procured pulses initially at market price to boost local supply and check retail prices, but when the crop was bumper and prices crashed, it started procuring at the support price. Most pulses prices in retail markets are still ruling lower at present.