In a bid to tame high prices in the retail markets, the Department of Consumer Affairs on Friday directed States to impose stock limits on all pulses except moong dal from July 2 to October 31. As per new stock limit order, the stock limit for wholesalers and importers will be 200 metric tons for wholesalers and importers. For retailers, it will be 5 metric tons and it will be the last three months of production or 25% of annual installed capacity, whichever is higher, for the millers. The ministry claimed that the prices of pulses and edible oils are reducing.
“Under this order, stock limits have been prescribed for all pulses except Moong until 31st October 2021 for all States/UTs. Stock limit will be 200 MT (provided there should not be more than 100 MT of one variety) for wholesalers, 5 MT for retailers and it will be the last 3 months of production or 25% of annual installed capacity, whichever is higher, for the millers. Lastly, for importers, the stock limit will be the same as that of wholesaler for stocks held/imported prior to 15th May 2021 and for stocks imported after 15th May 2021, stock limit applicable on wholesalers will apply after 45 days from date of customs clearance,” the ministry said. The ministry claimed that prices of pulses and edible oil come down in the last few days.
According to the ministry, if the stocks of entities exceed the prescribed limits, they have to be declared on the online portal of the Department of Consumer Affairs and have to be brought within the prescribed limit within 30 days of the notification of the order.
The ministry said there was a sustained increase in the price of pulses in March-April. The need for an urgent policy decision was felt to send the right signal to the market.
The total production of major pulses amounting to 255.8 LMT took place in 2020-21 with Gram (126.1 LMT) and Moong Dal (26.4 LMT) particularly breaking all of their past records of production.