Rising prices: Govt asks traders to declare stocks of peas, tur and urad dal regularly

In response to a surge in prices observed in certain markets, the government is contemplating a regulatory measure requiring pulses traders and retailers to disclose their stocks of yellow peas, tur (pigeon peas), and urad dal (black gram).

Recent weeks have witnessed an uptick in prices for these pulses across select markets. Tur prices, for instance, rose by Rs 100 per quintal in early April compared to the previous month. Similar upward trends have been noted in moong and other pulses.

The price escalation can be attributed to factors such as diminished rainfall, resulting in reduced yields in tur production. Depending on quality, the yield of dal from tur ranges from 65 to 80 kg per 100 kg of harvested produce. With the cost of dal production averaging between ten to fifteen rupees per kg, the anticipated shortage in supply is expected to further inflate prices, particularly during the months of June and July. Additionally, a shortfall in expected imports from Myanmar is likely to sustain high tur dal prices.

Over the past month alone, the price of tur dal has surged by ten rupees per kg, reaching levels of Rs 180 to 190 per kg. Moong dal prices have followed suit, increasing by ten rupees to a range of Rs 130 to 150 per kg. Similarly, urad dal prices have seen an average rise of ten rupees, reaching Rs 140 to Rs 150 per kg. Gram dal prices have also experienced a moderate uptick, with an average increase of four rupees, placing gram dal at 80 to 90 rupees per kg, according to a prominent pulses trader.

In light of these developments, the government’s proposed measure seeks to enhance transparency in the pulses market, facilitating better monitoring and management of price fluctuations. By mandating stock disclosures from traders and retailers, authorities aim to address concerns surrounding market volatility and ensure fair pricing practices for consumers.