NEW DELHI: The Union Government has decided to import 4.8 lakh tonnes of pulses of different varieties in the current financial year to augment availability of pulses in domestic market.
The Food Ministry, in a statement said, four public sector undertakings - MMTC, PEC, STC and NAFED - are authorised to import 15 lakh tonnes of pulses for sale in domestic market. These agencies, according to Government statement, will be reimbursed any loss up to 15 per cent.
Of total contracted quantity, 2.97 lakh tonnes of pulses have arrived at different ports in the country.
To ensure smooth supply of pulses in the domestic market, the Centre has taken several administrative and fiscal measures to control the rising prices of pulses. These include ban on the export of pulses (except Kabuli chana) and total relaxation in duty on the import of pulses.
Also the ban on futures trading in Urd and Tur has been extended during the year 2009-2010. Distribution of imported pulses has also been undertaken through PDS at a subsidy of Rs 10 per kg to state governments.
The scheme has been extended up to 31 March 2010 and so far 97,019 tonnes of pulses have been supplied by the PSUs to 8 State governments during the current year.
Source : Expressbuzz.com