The central government of India has decided to release Tur dal from the national buffer stock until the arrival of imported stocks. The food ministry has instructed the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) and National Cooperative Consumers Federation (NCCF) to auction Tur to eligible millers to augment the available stocks. The government maintains buffer stock to manage exigencies and sharp rises in commodity prices.
The Essential Commodities Act, 1955, has also been invoked by the government to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation, as well as to improve affordability for consumers. It imposed stock limits on Tur and Urad on June 2, 2023, until October 31, 2023, for all states and union territories. The stock limits specified 200 tonnes for wholesalers, 5 tonnes for retailers, and 5 tonnes per retail outlet, and 200 tonnes at the depot for big chain retailers. For millers, the last three months of production or 25% of the annual installed capacity, whichever is higher, has been prescribed as the stock limit.
The state governments are continually monitoring prices in their respective states and verifying the stock positions of stock-holding entities to take strict action against those who violate the stock limits order. India is a substantial consumer and grower of pulses and primarily consumes Chana, Masur, Urad, Kabuli Chana, and Tur.
The release of the buffer stock in a targeted manner reveals the government’s efforts to ensure a steady supply of pulses, a crucial ingredient in everyday Indian cuisine. It indicates that the government is taking a holistic approach to manage prices and prevent hoarding to ensure that food essentials remain affordable and accessible to all. Overall, the government’s decision is a positive step toward ensuring food security in the country.
