Tough action on hoarders of pulses: Centre

Although retail prices of pulses have cooled from the last year’s level of Rs 200 per kg, rates of lentils are still ruling high at Rs 83-177 per kg range in most parts of the country. 

Pulse prices are under pressure due to fall in the domestic production in the wake of backto-back drought.

“We are monitoring it (pulse prices). State governments have been told to act strictly against hoarders,” Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters said after the Cabinet meeting. The previous government had “not done much work” in pulse area and the NDA government has now made schemes to encourage cultivation of pulses, he said. 

As per data maintained with the consumer affairs ministry, urad is available today at Rs 177 per kg, tur Rs 163, moong Rs 123, masoor Rs 105 and gram Rs 83. Last month, urad cost Rs 172, tur Rs 160, moong Rs 122, masoor Rs 98 and gram Rs 74 per kg in most retail markets, the data showed. 

The government has been taking several measures to boost domestic supply of pulses and check price rise. It has created a stock of 50,000 tonnes of pulses and state governments have been asked to place their demand for timely release of stock for retail distribution.