Dal prices fall by Rs 20, to ease more on kharif arrivals

The government on Tuesday said pulses prices have dipped by an average Rs 20 per kg following raids on hoarders and the rates would ease further with the arrivals of kharif crops. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the prices of essential commodities ahead of the festive season. He asked the Agriculture as well as Food & Consumer Affairs ministries to boost procurement of pulses for creation of buffer stock.

“The finance minister emphasised the importance of ensuring adequate availability of essential commodities and taking proactive steps to hold the price line at reasonable levels,” an official statement said.

Following the sustained de-hoarding operations undertaken, the government said, the wholesale and retail prices of pulses have moderated in the last two weeks.

“On an average, prices across the country have declined by about Rs 20 per kg,” the statement said.