Import of 10,000 tonnes of Tur and Urad Dals is already in the pipeline
In a high level committee meeting held on 11 September 2015, the Government has decided to import an additional 5000 tonnes of Tur Dal to increase the availability and control prices of pulses. Import of 10,000 tonnes of Tur and Urad Dals is already in the pipeline and the first consignment will reach by 23 September 2015.The Government has put in place a weekly monitoring mechanism to keep a close watch on availability of essential commodities and moderating of prices under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Consumer Affairs with representatives from Department of Commerce, Food, Agriculture, Revenue among others and also from Cabinet Secretariat.
The Committee has directed the agencies like MMTC, SFAC and NAFED to get in touch with States and also with SAFAL to supply imported dals through retail outlets. The retail and wholesale prices of commodities in various markets were reviewed medium and long term strategy to increase availability of essential commodities and moderate prices were discussed.
Secretary, Consumer Affairs through video conference has discussed arrangements for distribution of imported pulses as well as 3000 tons of onions with State Governments.
Government of India has taken a series of policy initiatives and measures to enhance the availability and thereby moderate prices of pulses and onions. Stock limits have already been imposed on Pulses and State Governments have been requested to take strict action against hoarding and black-marketing and use available provisions and powers under Essential Commodities Act. Future trading in Pulses like Urad and Tur has already been suspended. Export of Pulses has been banned and there is zero duty on import of Pulses.
As regards Onions, to increase availability in the domestic market, Minimum Export Price has been raised initially from US$ 250 per tonne to US$ 425 per tonne and later to US$700 per tonne. Stock limits for Onions have further been extended for one year till July, 2016.
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The Committee in its first meeting on 8th September, 2015 decided to continue supply of onions at Rs.30 per kg. through 280 Fair Price Shop outlets and at Rs 38 per kg. at about 300 SAFAL outlets in Delhi, apart from the 120 sale outlets in DMS Booths at Rs 35 and through 70 mobile vans in the entire Delhi.
As a result of these measures taken by the Government, prices of onions have come down. As regards pulses, further increase in prices has been arrested and in the coming days with the import of pulses prices are likely to show a declining trend.
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