The government has directed traders, millers, and importers of pulses to compulsorily disclose details about their stockholding of masur (lentil) as part of efforts to prevent market manipulation and control price rise.
The decision was taken by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) on Wednesday. All stakeholders should mandatorily disclose their masur stock on a portal https://fcainfoweb.nic.in/psp by every Friday. Any undisclosed stock, if found, will be considered as hoarding and suitable action under the Essential Commodities Act would be initiated.
The average retail price of masur currently stands at Rs 93.2 per kilogram, slightly lower than the Rs 98.12 per kg price in the same period last year. However, prices of other pulses are under pressure, according to official data. The DoCA said the decision was taken to ensure availability of all kinds of pulses at reasonable prices in the upcoming festive season.
“At a time when lentil import flow increases from Canada and tur imports rise from African countries, few players are trying to manipulate the market against the interest of consumers and the nation,” said Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary, DoCA. He added that the government is “watching” the developments very closely and would initiate “stringent measures” to get the stock released into the market.
The DoCA has also instructed the department to broad-base lentil buffer procurement and procure available stocks at prices around the minimum support price ( MSP). The direction also comes against the backdrop of NAFED and NCCF suspending their tenders to purchase imported lentils due to exorbitantly high bids received from few suppliers amid hints of cartelization.
Singh emphasized the importance of striking a balance between the interests of farmers and consumers. He stated that the government would not hesitate to take stern action against those who attempt to harm the interests of Indian consumers and farmers through unscrupulous means.
