Nearly 75,000 tonnes of pulses seized from hoarders in 13 states

Total 6,077 raids conducted by states after amendment in Central Order under Essential Commodities Act

Nearly 75,000 tonnes of pulses have been seized from hoarders in raids across 13 states as part of the measures to control the skyrocketing retail prices that have touched up to Rs 210 per kg.

The Centre has also asked the states to hold discussions with dal millers, whole-sellers and retailers to make pulses available at reasonable prices.

"De-hoarding operations across the states continued. These have resulted in seizure of 74,846.359 tonnes pulses so far. Total 6,077 raids have been conducted by the states after the amendment in the Central Order under the Essential Commodities Act," an official statement said.

As a result of the de-hoarding drive, the states have reported declining trends in the prices of pulses, it added.

Out of 74,846.35 tonnes of pulses seized so far, the maximum of 46,397 tonnes have been recovered from hoarders in Maharashtra followed by Karnataka at 8,755.34 tonnes, Bihar at 4,933.89 tonnes, Chhattisgarh 4,530.39 tonnes, Telangana 2,546 tonnes, Madhya Pradesh 2,295 tonnes and Rajasthan 2,222 tonnes.

Dal prices have risen across the country due to a shortfall in domestic output by 2 million tonnes in 2014-15 crop year on account of deficient and unseasonal rains. Moreover, the supply in global markets is also limited.

"The Centre has asked the state governments to have meeting with millers, wholesellers and retailers to make pulses available in retail markets at reasonable prices," the Consumer Affairs Ministry said, adding that few states have already moved in this direction.

In a communication to the states/union territories, the Centre said the distribution of pulses at reasonable prices through ration shops by some states has helped stabilising the prices and asked other states to consider this step.

As per the Consumer Affairs Ministry's data, retail prices touched as high as Rs 210/kg yesterday. Urad was selling at Rs 190/kg, moong dal at Rs 130/kg, masoor dal at Rs 110/kg and gram at Rs 85/kg.