The central government has intensified efforts to augment availability of pulses and prevent hoarding by implementing stricter stock disclosure regulations. A press release marking these efforts was issued on April 10, 2024.
The Department of Consumer Affairs has:
- Directed States and UTs: To enforce weekly stock disclosure of pulses by all holding entities, including big chain retailers.
- Increased Vigilance: Urged states to monitor stockpiles and price trends in major ports and industry hubs to curb hoarding and market manipulation.
- Verification of Stocks: Mandated verification of declared stocks held in warehouses to ensure accuracy.
- Strict Action for Non-Compliance: Warned of strict action against entities found submitting false information on the revamped stock disclosure portal
Additionally, the Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, has held separate meetings with state representatives and pulse industry players. The meetings aimed to:
- Highlight the importance of close monitoring of pulse stocks and price trends.
- Discuss import regulations, particularly regarding Yellow Peas, whose import is allowed until June 30th, 2024, to supplement domestic availability.
- Stress the need for importers and industry players to consistently declare their pulse stocks, including Yellow Peas.
Focus on Yellow Peas:
- The government is closely monitoring the import and release of Yellow Peas into the market to ensure its smooth integration and stabilization of overall pulse availability.
- States and UTs have been specifically directed to track stock levels of imported Yellow Peas alongside the five major pulses (Tur, Urad, Chana, Masur, and Moong).
