Govt may import another 10,000 tonnes of pulses

Even though the first consignment of pulses is yet to arrive, the Centre is mulling to import another lot of about 10,000 tonnes of the lentils, the common source of protein for aam <g data-gr-id="21">aadmi</g>. The move, which is aimed at bringing down the skyrocketing prices of pulses, has been initiated by Agriculture Ministry after having detailed discussion with other concerned ministries and department.

According to sources, the decision in this regard was taken after a recently held high-level meet over the issue, where officials came to the conclusion that the prices of essential item can only be controlled by bringing more pulses into retail market.

“Given the fact that sowing area of pulses <g data-gr-id="23">have</g> crossed 100 lakh hectare mark, but the below average rainfall in pulses-growing states may hit the production target. The Centre in advance has moved a proposal to import 10,000 tonnes of pulses to avoid last minute fiasco,” an official in agriculture ministry said.

“It’s fact that the production of pulses is not enough to meet the domestic demand and dependent on foreign supply. We are yet to get the imported consignment, <g data-gr-id="19">reasos</g> maybe whatsoever, but it’s the common people who are being hit due to spiralling prices,” another official said, adding, “The move should be looked as a corrective measure.”

It’s worth mentioning here that almost all the pulses are being sold at over Rs 100 per kg, which is beyond the reach of common man. Millennium Post had first reported in June that the decision to import pulses would not help tackle the problem due to country’s flawed import mechanism. Millennium Post had also reported in June that if the process of importing takes off in July, the product will be available only by September-end.