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Embarking on a pulse affordability mission, the Centre introduces 'Bharat Dal' at Rs 60/kg, sold through major outlets, addressing rising pulse prices with strategic releases from the Price Stabilisation Fund and a commitment to moderating import duties on key varieties. The move comes amidst a surge in rice prices, prompting considerations for a discounted 'Bharat Rice' to maintain consumer cost-effectiveness.

Highlights

Introduction of 'Bharat Dal': The Centre is selling chana dal under the brand name 'Bharat Dal' at Rs 60 per kilogram to control retail prices of pulses and make them more affordable.

Outlets for Sale: 'Bharat Dal' is currently sold at physical and mobile outlets of Kendriya Bhandar, NAFED, and NCCF, with plans for expansion to other cooperative and retail outlets.

Initiative for Affordable Prices: The move is aimed at making pulses available to consumers at affordable prices by converting government chana stock into chana dal. NAFED handles milling and packaging for distribution through various retail outlets.

Buffer Stock of Pulses: The Centre maintains a buffer stock of five major pulses (chana, tur, urad, moong, and masur) under the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF). These stocks are released in a targeted manner to control prices.

Price Moderation Strategy: Stocks of chana and moong from the Price Support Scheme (PSS) and PSF buffer are released in the market to moderate prices. Pulses from the buffer are also supplied to states for welfare schemes, as well as to the Army and Central Armed Police Forces.

Import Policies for Tur, Urad, and Masur: The Ministry of Consumer Affairs states that the import of tur and urad is under the 'Free Category' till March 31, 2024. Import duty on masur has been reduced to zero till the same date to enhance domestic availability and moderate pulse prices.

Monitoring Stock Levels: Entities such as dealers, importers, millers, and traders are continuously monitored for pulse stock levels through the online stock monitoring portal of the Department of Consumer Affairs.

Potential Expansion to Other Commodities: The Centre may consider selling 'Bharat Rice' at discounted rates to address rising cereal prices ahead of the 2024 polls.

Rice Price Surge: There has been a significant surge in the all-India average retail price of rice, reaching Rs 43.3 per kilogram, reflecting a 14.1% increase from the previous year.

Government's Responsive Measures: The initiatives underscore the government's responsive measures to ensure the availability and affordability of essential food items, particularly pulses and rice, for consumers.

Conclusion

The launch of 'Bharat Dal' showcases the government's proactive stance in ensuring affordable pulses, utilizing buffer stocks, targeted releases, and import policies. This intervention not only curtails rising pulse prices but also hints at a broader strategy, potentially extending to other essentials like 'Bharat Rice,' portraying a dedicated effort to mitigate the impact of escalating food costs on consumers, aligning with a comprehensive and responsive approach to economic challenges.

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