Question : IMPORT OF PULSES

(a) whether the Government has permitted various Public Sector Undertakings to import pulses in view of their shortage and rising prices in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the quantum and price of such imports;

(c) whether import of pulses from some countries has been delayed/cancelled;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(e) the manner in which the imported pulses are proposed to be distributed; and

(f) the other steps taken/proposed to be taken to improve the availability and control the spiralling prices of pulses?

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS,FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)

(a): Yes Madam

(b): The 4 PSUs viz. NAFED, MMTC, STC and PEC are authorized by the Government to import pulses under the 15% reimbursement of subsidy scheme. The quantum of pulses imported by the 4 PSUs during 2009-10 (up to 16.2.2010) is about 5.44 lakh tonnes at the price range of S 259 - $1221.00.

(c)& (d): Only PEC has indicated that import of pulses from some countries have been delayed/cancelled during 2009-10. The details and reasons are given in Annexure I.

(e): The pulses imported by the 4 PSUs were sold to various State Governments to be distributed at a subsidy of Rs 10 per kg under the Public Distribution Scheme and were also sold in the open market as per the internal procedure of the PSUs.

(f): The steps taken by the Government to improve the availability and control the spiraling prices of pulses are given in Annexure II.