Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : The Government has taken several proactive and pre-emptive measures to augment domestic availability and stabilise prices of essential food commodities. It is because of these measures that the price of Moong Dal has reported a sharp decline.
As per the official statistics of the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), the All India Average Retail Price of Moong Dal as reported on February 28, 2022, is Rs 102.36 per kg, which was Rs 106.47 per kg on February 28, 2021, a drop of 3.86 %, according to a PIB release.
In May 2021, advisories were issued to States/UTs to monitor prices of essential food commodities and to ensure disclosure of pulses stocks held by millers, importers, and traders under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Imposition of stock limit on all pulses except Moong was notified on July 2, 2021. Thereafter, an amended order was issued on July 19, .2021, imposing stock limits on four pulses, namely, Tur, Urad, Masur, Chana, for a period up to October 31, 2021.
To improve availability and stabilise prices of pulses, the Government had allowed the import of Tur, Urad, and Moong under the ‘Free category’ w.e.f May 15, 2021, till October 31, 2021, to ensure smooth and seamless imports. The Free regime in respect of import of Tur and Urad was thereafter extended till March 31, 2022. This policy measure has been supported with facilitation measures and close monitoring of its implementation by the Departments/organisation concerned. The import policy measures have resulted in a substantial increase in import of Tur, Urad, and Moong, as compared to the corresponding period for the past two years.