Prices of pulses are anticipated to ease a bit from next month, a government official said on Friday. The prices of the commodity have been elevated in the last year and are expected to see a bit relaxation backed by robust imports, the official said.
Addressing a briefing, Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, noted that from July onwards, the prices of pulses such as chana, urad, and tur, are expected to soften amidst expectations of a higher kharif crop.
The official noted that the prices of the commodities have been elevated but stable in the last six months, reported Financial Express. She added that the prices of moong and masoor dal remained in the comfortable range.
Explaining the factors behind the anticipated price softening, Khare said, “We are expecting a good monsoon, more than average rainfall. We anticipate the area under pulses to improve significantly. Farmers will put more area under crops considering high market prices. Market sentiments will also improve.”
The secretary assured that the government would undertake necessary measures to help boost the domestic availability and keep a check on the market prices. Further, the Department of Consumer Affairs also instructed the traders, importers, millers, and stockholders of pulses to declare their holdings from April 15.
The authorities maintained that the consumer affairs ministry remained in constant touch with the global suppliers to help enhance imports, and also was checking in with the local stakeholders such as retail chains, wholesalers, etc, to avoid any hoarding of the produce.
Notably, retail inflation in pulses and products category climbed to 17.14 per cent in May, against the inflation of 16.84 per cent in April. The arhar variety clocked the sharpest price rise of over 32 per cent.
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