The government has said that there is no shortage of pulses in the country. Addressing the media after the review meeting in New Delhi yesterday, Food and Public Distribution Minister Ram Vilas Paswan asserted that if hoarding occurs anywhere, the government will take strong measures against it. He said, the production of pulses is estimated to be 260 lakh tonnes and import of 10 lakh tonnes is estimated this year.
A total of 307 lakh tonnes of pulses will be available with the government in the current year, of which 290 lakh tonnes is estimated to be consumed. The Minister said that the price situation is being closely monitored and if necessary, suitable action will be taken to ensure that all essential commodities are available to the consumers at a reasonable price.
Mr Paswan further said that 50 thousand metric tonne Onion buffer is available with NAFED and State governments can exercise the option of buying from the central government buffer to increase their supply according to their requirement. He stated that prices are likely to remain stable and there is ample availability of all pulses, oilseeds and onions in the country.