MUMBAI, 17 Jun (Commoditiescontrol): In an effort to mitigate the soaring prices of pulses, the government has mandated that private retail chains and online grocers such as D-Mart, Reliance Retail, BigBasket, Amazon, and Flipkart must now declare their pulse stocks twice a week, according a report published by Mint. This directive is part of a broader initiative targeting millers, wholesalers, importers, processors, and stockists nationwide, which initially required weekly stock disclosures, the report added. The change specifically for large private retail chains aims to enhance transparency and curb price manipulation.
“It has been observed that major retail chains have not been compliant with the stock declaration mandate. The consumer affairs department has updated the stock disclosure portal to include yellow peas and designated 'big chain retailers' as a specific entity, effective from April 15. These chains must declare their pulse stocks to prevent price hikes," an anonymous official informed Mint.
During early June, government officials emphasized the importance of stock disclosure in discussions with major retail chains, resulting in improved compliance, the official added.
As of Friday, the national average retail prices for key pulses were as follows: chana dal (Bengal gram) at Rs 85.2 per kg, tur or arhar (pigeon pea) at Rs 154.5 per kg, urad (black gram) at Rs 122.5 per kg, masur (lentil) at Rs 93.1 per kg, and moong (green gram) at Rs 115.6 per kg. These prices reflect significant year-on-year increases of 14%, 25%, 10%, 0.6%, and 5.5%, respectively.
The revamped disclosure portal now includes yellow peas and large retail chains, effective April 15. “All these entities are crucial. We are collaborating with state governments and various stakeholders, including millers, importers, wholesalers, and dealers, to ensure responsible behavior during this period. This is not the time for profiteering," the official stated.
Despite a drop in headline inflation to 4.75% in May from 4.83% in April, food inflation remained high at 8.69%, unchanged from April. Notably, inflation in pulses rose to 17.1% in May from 16.8% in April, compared to just 6.6% a year ago.
Flipkart's spokesperson mentioned that the company is proactively ensuring its sellers comply with government guidelines. However, responses from the consumer affairs ministry, Reliance Retail, D-Mart, BigBasket, ITC Foods, and Amazon were awaited.
The reliance on imports and reduced carry-over stocks, typically covering six to seven months but only sufficient for two to three months this season, has exacerbated the situation. An erratic monsoon could further destabilize prices, although the government hopes recent measures and industry cooperation will help stabilize the market.
The agriculture ministry is drafting a plan to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses by 2027, aiming to reduce the government's import bill. This new program, expected to launch soon, will promote significant increases in domestic pulses production.
As of June 7, major retail chains had declared 1,400 tonnes of pulse stocks, unchanged from the previous week. The total stock held by all stakeholders is around 5.2 million tonnes.
(By Commoditiescontrol Bureau; +91 98201 3018)
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