Government agencies procured 51,000 MT of kharif pulses for the buffer stock against the target of 50,000 MT

New Delhi, March 7, 2016: The Government agencies have procured 51,000 MT of kharif pulses for the buffer stock against the target of 50,000 MT. Now they have been asked to start procurement of Masoor, Gram dal and other Rabi pulses also which have the total target of 1 lakh MT . In an inter ministerial meeting chaired by Secretary of Department of Consumer Affairs, Shri C Viswanath here today, prices and availability of essential commodities were reviewed. The meeting was informed that import of 8,500 MT dal already order is on the way.

The representative of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare informed that area under production of oilseeds during 2015-16 has increased 2.1% and mustard production is expected to be higher by 6 lakh MT.

The meeting also reviewed production of tomato in the country and its price trends. Tomato production is also expected higher by 11.6% during 2015-16. Efforts are being made to increase its cultivation in non-traditional areas by using advanced hybrid varieties.

The meeting was attended by senior officials of Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Commerce, MMTC, NAFED and FCI.