(a) whether there is a wide gap between the market price of pulses and their minimum support price;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reaction of the Government thereto; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to increase the MSP of pulses in view of high cost of production of pulses and the outcome thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a) to (c): All India Annual Average Wholesale prices and Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for pulses for 2015-16 is given below:
Rs. per quintal
Commodity Wholesale Price (upto Feb.2016) MSP
Arhar (Tur) 7612 4425^
Moong 8001 4650^
Urad 8815 4425^
Gram 4908 3425#
Masur 6751 3325#
^ Bonus of Rs. 200 per quintal is payable over and above MSP.
# Bonus of Rs. 75 per quintal is payable over and above MSP.
The price of agricultural produce including pulses are governed by the market forces of demand and supply.
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MSP is in the nature of minimum price offered by the Government. Producers of crops covered under MSP have the option to sell their produce to the Government agencies at MSP or in the open market as is advantageous to them.
Government has increased the MSP of pulses in 2015-16 over 2014-15. MSP of pulses for 2014-15 and 2015-16 is at Annexure.
Government is implementing the National Food Security Mission (NFSM)- Pulses since 2008-09 through State Governments. NFSM-Pulses is being implemented in 622 districts of 27 States including all districts of North-Eastern and hill States for promotion of pulses.
In addition a bonus of Rs. 200/- per quintal each for Kharif pulses (Arhar, Moong and Urad) of 2015-16 season and a bonus of Rs.75/- per quintal each for Rabi pulses (Gram and Masur) of 2015-16 season has been announced by the Government over and above their MSPs in order to incentivize production pulses in the country.