Question : RISE IN PRICE

(a) whether there has been a spurt in the prices of essential commodities during the recent months;

(b) if so, whether a high level meeting was convened in the month of June to take stock of the foodgrains supply and prices situation in the wake of the increase in Petrol/Diesel prices and concerns about the Kharif crop being affected by the delayed monsoon;

(c) if so, the outcome thereof;

(d) the recommendations made during the said meeting;

(e) whether the Government proposes to reimpose restrictions on private trade in foodgrains to stabilise prices; and

(f) if so, the manner in which it is likely to be implemented?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI TASLIMUDDIN)

(a) : The Wholesale Price Index in respect of 14 essential commodities viz. rice, wheat, atta, arhar dal, gram dal, tea, milk, sugar, groundnut oil, mustard oil, vanaspati, potato, onion, salt for April-July, 2005, showing a marginal rise in prices of vegetables due to seasonal factors and of pulses following fall in domestic production during 2004-05.


(b), (c), and (d) : High level meetings were held in June, 2005 to review the monsoon position and related issues, including progress in sowing of kharif crops, stock position of foodgrains and price situation. It was decided to ensure availability of adequate food stocks in different regions of the country and to maintain a close watch on price situation.

(e) & (f) : There is no proposal to re-impose restrictions on private trade in foodgrains.