Moong becomes costliest dal in Delhi

As food inflation heats up, moong dal has become the most expensive pulse with its retail price skyrocketing to Rs 105 per kg in New Delhi. This is 11 per cent higher than its price a fortnight earlier.

Official data released today shows that food inflation rose to 16.74 per cent for the week ending May 29. The 0.19 percentage points shift from the previous week figure was caused by high prices of pulses, fruits and milk.

Wholesale prices of pulses are going up as the stocks are in short supply after the draught last year, which affected food production in large parts of the country. India produces around 13-14 million tonnes of pulses against an annual demand of 17-18 million tonnes and imports 3-4 million tonnes to bridge the gap.

Two weeks ago, the retail price of moong (dhuli) dal was Rs 94 a kg in Delhi. Moong chilka is the next most expensive dal in the national capital priced at Rs 94 per kg, up more than nine per cent over the review period.

Meanwhile, arhar dal too has climbed up 17 per cent to Rs 82 a kg compared to Rs 70 per kg a fortnight ago. Urad (chilka) is also higher at Rs 82 a kg compared to Rs 70 per kg, while its dhuli variety quotes at Rs 92 a kg at present compared to Rs 80 a fortnight earlier.

Black masoor prices have climbed up phenomenally to Rs 74 a kg from Rs 50 per kg a fortnight ago.

The Food and Civil Supplies department on June 1 announced increasing prices of three varieties of pulses being sold at reasonable rates at 400 select outlets, including all Mother Dairy booths. 

Officials said the price of chana dal has been raised from Rs 31 per kg to Rs 32, while Kala chana will be sold at Rs 31 per kg instead of Rs 30. Masoor chilka will be available sold at Rs 43 per kg instead of Rs 46, effective from June 7.

Experts are of the view that area under pulses may rise by about eight per cent in 2010-11 Kharif season as farmers expect good price realisation of last year aided by the possibility of a normal monsoon.

Increase in area under pulses cultivation bodes well for consumers who have been paying through their nose for the commodity since last year.