Pulse price rise issue being politicised: Paswan

The issue of pulse price, which has gone up to Rs 190 per kg across the country, is being politicised, Union Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan today said while blaming the Bihar government for not demanding pulses imported by the Centre.
The pulse price has risen unabated in most parts of the country due to shortage of two million tonnes in domestic output.
Government data showed that retail price of tur dal in Patna has increased to Rs 160 per kg and urad to Rs 125 per kg.
"Absolutely, there is politics happening over the issue (prices of pulses). The Government of India has taken whatever possible steps (to control prices)," Paswan said here.

Stating that about 4,000 tonnes of imported pulses have so far landed in the country, the Minister said, "But you will be surprised to know that only Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have requested for it. There has not been any demand from the Bihar government."
Andhra Pradesh has requested for 1,800 tonnes of imported pulses while Tamil Nadu has sought 250 tonnes and Delhi 700 tonnes, he said.

Paswan said the supply-demand mismatch is the main reason for increase in prices, which the blackmarketeers are taking advantage of.
"The main reason is production is less and demand is more and therefore, blackmarketing is going on," he said.

To boost domestic supply, the minister said there is zero import duty on pulses and private traders have also been allowed to buy from the overseas market.
Yesterday, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had asked state governments to lift imported stocks from ports and announced creation of buffer stock of pulses, preferably through imports, to take care of the problem in future.
The government had also decided to invoke the Price Stabilisation Fund, handling and transportation charges at the port and milling and processing fees in order to make pulses more affordable.
The state-owned MMTC has contracted 5,000 tonnes each of tur dal and urad, which has floated tender for import of additional 2,000 tonnes of tur dal. The government is planning to import more quantities till prices come under control.