Jaipur : The Central Government on Tuesday evening issued a warning order to the retailers selling pulses, saying that the wholesale prices should be reduced and the benefit should be passed on to the public. If they do not do this, and earn profits unfairly, legal action will be taken against them. Consumer Affairs Department Secretary Nidhi Khare chaired a meeting with the Indian Retailers Association and major organized retail chains to discuss the scenario and trends of prices of major pulses, in which she made this statement. This order is being said to be very important in view of the festive season.
‘Wholesale rates are low, pulses are still being sold at high prices’
Khare said that during the last three months, the prices of arhar and urad have fallen by an average of about 10 percent in the major mandis, but no such decline has been seen in the retail prices of these pulses. In the case of gram, a decline in market prices has been seen in the last one month, but retail prices are increasing instead of decreasing. This difference between wholesale price and retail price clearly indicates that retailers are getting the benefit. These trends are being closely monitored and if the difference is found to be increasing, necessary action will be initiated.
‘Coordinate with NCCF and NAFED’
Representatives of Reliance Retail Limited, Vishal Mart, D Mart, Spencer’s and More Retail participated in this meeting along with RAI officials. The statement said that in view of the current availability and softening of market prices, the Secretary asked the retail industry to provide all possible assistance in the efforts of the government to keep the prices of pulses affordable for the customers. He asked organized retail chains to coordinate with NCCF and NAFED in the distribution of pulses in India.
‘The arrival of urad and moong has started in the markets’
The Secretary said that the arrival of urad and moong has started in the markets, while tur and urad are being continuously imported from East African countries and Myanmar to increase the domestic stock. In preparation for Rabi sowing, the Agriculture Department has submitted focused schemes to each major producing state with the aim of increasing production of pulses and self-reliance. NAFED and NCCF will be involved in farmer registration and seed distribution among farmers in the upcoming Rabi season, as was done in the Kharif sowing season this year.
