To build a buffer stock in a bid to keep a check on prices and availability, government agencies have so far procured 51,000 tonnes of kharif and 60,000 tonnes of rabi pulses so far.

As part of market intervention efforts, the agencies have also procured 15,635 tonnes of onions.

Also, about 13,000 tonnes of imported pulses have arrived and delivery of about 6,000 tonnes is in the pipeline, an official release said here on Tuesday.

“The arrived quantity includes 11,000 tonnes of tur and 2,000 tonnes of urad,” said a statement, issued after the inter-Ministerial committee meeting held here to review the prices of essential commodities on Tuesday.

During the meeting, State governments were urged to seek allocation of pulses from the buffer stock to sell at reasonable prices, at not be more than ₹120 per kg.

So far, Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Telangana have been allocated some quantity of pulses after the Centre received their requests.

In Delhi, Kendriya Bhandar and Safal outlets have been allocated and have so far sold 635.31 quintals of tur and 245 quintals of urad at ₹120/kg.  

The committee was also informed that Food Corporation of India, at present, has about 32 million tonnes (mt) of wheat in its stock, against the public distribution system’s requirement of about 24 mt.

“The government has already sanctioned about 6.25 mt of wheat for open market sale operations during the current financial year,” the release added.

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