Prices of pulses rise further to touch Rs 210 per kg mark

Over 5,800 tonnes of pulses have been seized in five states in raids carried out on hoarders but prices of the essential goods rose further to touch the Rs 210 per kg mark.

In view of skyrocketing rates of pulses, the Cabinet Secretary on Tuesday discussed many factors pertaining to prices, production, procurement and availability during a meeting with secretaries of Consumer Affairs, Agriculture, Commerce and other ministries.

The action taken by state governments to prevent hoarding of pulses was also reviewed at the meeting, besides discussing the progress on sale of imported pulses at subsidised rates in Delhi and other states.

According to the Consumer Affairs Ministry, over 5,800 tonnes of pulses have been seized in five states in recent months which shows that hoarding is a major factor contributing to the price rise.

"Consumer Affairs Secretary C Vishwanath said that state governments had been directed to enforce the Essential Commodities Act more stringently. As a result, some state governments have carried out surprised inspections and seized large quantities of pulses," he added.

Around 2,546 tonnes have been seized from Telangana, 2,295 tonnes from Madhya Pradesh. Other states have also stepped up the raids

The Rajasthan government has also intensified enforcement of stock limits. Similar action against hoarding is also being taken in other states," an official statement said.

Continuing an upward trend, tur prices on Tuesday rose further to Rs 210 per kg in the retail markets. Urad rates have risen up to Rs 198/kg, moong Rs 135, masoor Rs 120 and gram (chana) Rs 84 per kg. Prices have shot up due to fall in output by two million tonnes in the 2014-15 on deficient and untimely rains.