NEW DELHI: The government is considering to put stock limit on chana (gram) considering the increase in its prices in recent weeks. So far, stock limits have been imposed on wheat, tur and urad. The government may also scrap the tender for import of masur considering that the importers are quoting exorbitant prices.
Sources said the increase in prices despite good availability of chana and the high sale of pulses through government-owned cooperatives at subsidised rate of Rs 60 under the “Bharat Dal” brand is a matter of concern and there is a possibility of traders hoarding stocks.
“We are looking at all options to ensure that there are adequate availability pulses in the market,” said an official. He added that the government still has stock of about 25 lakh tonnes of chana, which can be released in the market to keep prices under check.
While the average retail price of chana increased marginally to Rs 78 a kg from Rs 75 a month back, the mandi prices of chana was ruling above the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 5,350 per quintal for the first time in many years. The mandi prices of chana are at Rs 6,100 per quintal, which is the highest in recent years.
Meanwhile, NAFED, on behalf of consumer affairs has invited tender for supply of imported masur (imported red lentil), for minimum 5,000 tonnes and multiples of 500 tonnes thereon. Sources said since the bidders are quoting very high prices, the government may scrap the tender.
Sources said the increase in prices despite good availability of chana and the high sale of pulses through government-owned cooperatives at subsidised rate of Rs 60 under the “Bharat Dal” brand is a matter of concern and there is a possibility of traders hoarding stocks.
“We are looking at all options to ensure that there are adequate availability pulses in the market,” said an official. He added that the government still has stock of about 25 lakh tonnes of chana, which can be released in the market to keep prices under check.
While the average retail price of chana increased marginally to Rs 78 a kg from Rs 75 a month back, the mandi prices of chana was ruling above the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 5,350 per quintal for the first time in many years. The mandi prices of chana are at Rs 6,100 per quintal, which is the highest in recent years.
Meanwhile, NAFED, on behalf of consumer affairs has invited tender for supply of imported masur (imported red lentil), for minimum 5,000 tonnes and multiples of 500 tonnes thereon. Sources said since the bidders are quoting very high prices, the government may scrap the tender.
