Buffer stock of pulses has become liability: Paswan

Vibha Sharma

New Delhi, May 15

The buffer stock of pulses created by the government to control the rising prices of pulses has now become a “problem” due to crash in their prices, Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said on Monday.

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Addressing a press conference to mark the three years of the Narendra Modi government, the Minister said instead of targeted procurement of 10 lakh tonnes from foreign countries, India only procured three-four lakh tonnes and the rest was procured from domestic farmers. The buffer stock has around 18 lakh tonnes and the problem before the Centre is how to distribute it, he said.

Also read: Buffer stock of pulses crosses 10 lak MT, says government

Govt looks to rein in dal prices through imports, buffer stock

Keeping prices stable of essential items is our topmost priorities, the Minister added.                       

“We are also planning to include nutritious foods as part of rations, he said, adding that his Ministry is in talks with the Woman and Child Ministry on the issue.

He also enlisted other initiatives, including better management of buffer stocks, as other goals for the Ministry in the remaining two years of the government.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year had signed a long-term agreement with Mozambique for the import of pulses after the prices shot through the roof.

On the issue regarding the status of agreement with the African nation, Paswan said as of now the bigger issue is to procure pulses from farmers as domestic over supply has led to crash in the pulses prices in the country.

However, as per experts, a ban on exports and restriction on stockings by private agencies in a bumper crop year also contributed to drop in pulses prices.

The Centre has received complaints regarding the DBT scheme in three UTs, including Chandigarh. However the scheme launched as a pilot project in three union territories will continue, said Paswan.

Prices of all essential commodities, including pulses, rice, wheat/flour, oil and sugar are all under control, he said.

On the issue of dual MRP, the Minister called it illegal and said the consumers have the option of approaching consumer courts. Service charge is also illegal, he reiterated, adding that it is not mandatory.  "We never put limit on portions. But the consumer has the right to know about the quantity and quality. "

“Food items wrapped in newspapers is also hazardous to health. It should be stopped. The people also have the right to clean potable water. We are also telling the states to earmark specific places, where street food can be served. These are some of the issues we continue to pursue,” Paswan said                       

Regarding adulteration of food, the Minister said he has asked authorities concerned to develop some mechanism through which consumers can keep a check on what they consume.

There are lot of issues on information printed on lables, Paswan said and told the Consumer Affairs Secretary to ensure that guidelines are followed by manufacturers within one month. He also said that a sticker of price can only be put on imported items.