Centre to import another 30,000 tonnes of pulses for buffer stock

New Delhi, Aug 4 The central government has decided to import another 30,000 tonnes of pulses for the buffer stock, official sources said on Thursday.

The Price Stabilization Fund chaired by Consumer Affairs Secretary Hem Pande at a meeting here on Wednesday decided that fresh imports will include 20,000 tonnes of Tur dal and 10,000 tonnes of Urad.

The government agencies have also procured about 1.19 million tonnes of pulses from the domestic market, official sources said.

"The department of Consumer Affairs has requested state governments repeatedly to lift the pulses Tur and Urad from the buffer stock for distribution at not more than Rs 120/kg. Tur is being provided to the state at the rate of Rs 67/kg and Urad at Rs 82/kg," a source said.

Over 29,000 tonnes of pulses were allocated to the states as on August 1, 2016 but only three states have lifted some quantities against their allotments.

The Centre had last month urged states to remove all local taxes and consider capping the prices of pulses, edible oils and other essential commodities to help make these available at "reasonable prices".

The government also set up a group of officers from various enforcement agencies for regular monitoring and exchange of information on hoarding of pulses and other food items.

Prices of pulses continue to be high despite a series of efforts from the government to put things under check.

IANS