Question : Hoarding of Pulses

(a) whether it is true that a huge quantum of pulses were recovered recently during action against hoarding, if so, the details thereof, State-wise along with the action taken against the traders/hoarders involved therein;
(b) whether the Government proposes to make any legal provisions for preventing hoarding and speculative activities so as to control the prices of pulses, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(c) whether keeping in view the drop in the production on pulses on account of drought during the last and the current year, measures have been taken or are likely to be taken for increasing availability of the pulses, if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE
CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

(a) : No Madam.

(b) : The Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and Prevention of Blackmarketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980 are adequate for preventing hoarding and speculative activities to control prices of essential commodities including pulses. From time to time, the Central Government issues orders enabling the State Governments to impose stock limits to prevent hoarding in specified essential commodities.

(c) : The Department of Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers Welfare has estimated bumper production of pulses during the last year as well as the current year. Government is monitoring the price and availability of pulses regularly. Stock limits on pulses have been withdrawn with effect from May, 2017.

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