Question : Spike in Pulse Prices

(a) whether there is shortage of pulses causing spurt in their prices recently and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the action taken by the Government to address the issue including the steps taken to incentivise the pulse growing farmers, if any;
(b) whether the Government plans to import pulses to increase supply, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has modified the legal methodology/rules enabling Government to fix retail prices and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government has also proposed action against retailers who violated packaged commodities rules, if so, the details thereof; and
(e) whether the Government had urged the States to consider a pricing policy for pulses and such other essential food items and make it enforceable for all stakeholders to cap the prices of essential commodities and if so, the response of the State Governments thereto?

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

(a) : The production of pulses including Chana declined for two consecutive year i.e. 2014-15 and 2015-16 due to drought in successive years and adverse weather conditions putting some pressure on prices of select pulses. To moderate the prices of Chana/Chana dal, Government has released subisidzed Chana from buffer stock to States/UTs and Central Agencies. In addition, Chana from buffer stock is also being released through auction. For incentivizing the pulse growing farmes, MSP of pulses have been regularly increased and other measures for enhancing domestic production of pulses including enhancing productivity and crop area under pulses through various schemes and promotion of Research & Development for evolving better varieties.

(b) : The Government has approved creation of buffer stock of upto 20 lakh tonnes of pulses, of which upto 10 lakh tones may be imported. Import of 4,06,000 MT of pulses have been contracted till date towards building the buffer.

(c) & (d) : Yes, Madam. In the interest of consumers, a provisions has been made under the Legal Metrology (LM) (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 i.e. Rule 6 (1(e)) enabling fixation of retail sale prices of essential commodities by competent authority. For violation of the LM (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 action may be taken as per the Rules.

(e) : No, Madam. However, under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, enabling provisions for fixing the retail sale prices of essential commodities already exist.

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