Govt to sell chana via commodity exchange NCDEX

The government on Friday decided to sell chana (chickpea) from its buffer stock through commodity exchange NCDEX to boost domestic supplies and cool prices, while exploring option to distribute pulses through KVIC outlets. The decision was taken at the meeting of inter-ministerial panel on prices held under the chairmanship of Consumer Affairs Secretary Hem Pande to review prices and availability of pulses. 

Pulses prices, which had recently crossed Rs 200 per kg, have declined substantially and now are ruling at an average price of Rs 75-120 per kg in major cities of the country. The maximum price is in the range of Rs 120-170 per kg. The subsidised pulses are already being distributed through retail outlets of Kendriya Bhandar, Safal and NCCF in Delhi and NCR Region. NCCF is also selling the pulses in some other metros. “It was decided that besides offering chana (chickpea) to the State Governments, its significant quantity should be released immediately through NCDEX (National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Ltd) also to cool down prices,” an official statement said.