HP CM welcomes ban on forward trading in food items

Shimla, Mar 6 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today welcomed the Centre's decision to ban forward trading in wheat and rice and said it should also be extended to pulses to check rising prices of essential commodities.

''We welcome the ban on forward trading in wheat and rice and seek its extension to pulses. Banning export of wheat, rice and pulses and a cut in import duties should help in bringing down the prices of these items,'' he said at a press conference here, called on the completion of the Congress Government's four years in office.

Mr Singh said besides pulses, the ban on forward trading on Jawar, Bajara and other items would also go a long way in checking the prices of essential commodities.

UNI