Over 50,000 tonnes of pulses seized so far under de-hoarding operations

De-hoarding operations across the states have resulted in seizure of 50,475.25 tonnes of pulses, mostly imported tur dal, in raids across 10 states so far. Over 15,000 tonnes were seized by authorities on Friday alone, according to an official release.

A total 3,149 raids have been conducted by the states after the amendment in the Central Order under Essential Commodities Act, even as retail prices today showed no signs of abating and continue to rule at Rs210 per kg.

The amendment has enabled the states to impose stock limits on all types of stock of pulses. The states were exhorted to intensify action against hoarding.

In order to assess the availability of imported pulses, finance minister Arun Jaitley today held two rounds of meetings, first with importers and later with officials of ministries concerned.

The cabinet secretary also reviewed the prices situation and anti-hoarding measures being taken by the state governments.

During the meeting with the finance minister, importers offered to supply 1 lakh kg of imported tur dal at Rs135 per kg on daily basis to government agencies, while demanding exemptions from stock-holding limits imposed on them.

About 7,033 tonnes of lentils were seized from Maharashtra, 5,487 tonnes from Karnataka, 2,051 tonnes from Rajasthan and 764 tonnes from Haryana, a statement said.

This takes the total seizure of pulses so far to 50,656 tonnes, recovered in 3,149 raids across 10 states.

"As a result of action taken by states, there has been a decrease of about Rs 200/quintal in mandi rates in Mumbai and also in futures trading of chana," the statement said.

Retail prices of pulses have also declined in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, it added.

According to data from the consumer affairs ministry, the retail price of tur dal is as high as Rs 210 a kg, urad Rs 190 a kg, moong dal Rs 130 a kg, masoor dal Rs 110 a kg and gram Rs 85 a a kg.