Steps Taken to Stabilize Prices and Increase Availability

12-Mar-2025 11:37 AM

Steps Taken to Stabilize Prices and Increase Availability  
★ To address the pulses shortage and control inflation, the government has implemented several policies. These measures will increase availability in the open market and help stabilize prices.  
- The current buffer stock is only 14.5 lakh tonnes, compared to the required 35 lakh tonnes.  
- In 2021-22, the buffer stock was 30 lakh tonnes, while in 2022-23, it stood at 28 lakh tonnes.  
- Due to the declining stock, the government has extended the free import period for yellow peas, tur (pigeon pea), and urad (black gram).  
- Yellow peas can be imported duty-free until May 31, 2025, while free import of tur and urad has been extended until March 31, 2026.  
- A 10% import duty has been imposed on masoor (lentils).  
- As pulses prices were already below MSP, increased imports have further impacted the market.  
- New crops of masoor and chana (gram) have started arriving in markets, and due to prices being below MSP, government procurement is expected to rise.  
- Tur procurement under government schemes is also showing an upward trend.