Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Launches Phase II of Bharat Chana Dal Initiative
On October 23, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, responsible for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy, launched the second phase of the Bharat Chana Dal initiative in Delhi-NCR. This initiative aims to make pulses more accessible and affordable for consumers.
Chana Dal and Other Pulses
The government plans to convert 3 lakh tons of Chana stock from the price stabilization buffer into Chana Dal and Chana Whole, priced at ₹70 per kg and ₹58 per kg, respectively. Additionally, Bharat-branded pulses like Moong and Masur dals are introduced, with Bharat Moong Dal at ₹107 per kg, Bharat Moong Sabut at ₹93 per kg, and Bharat Masur Dal at ₹89 per kg.
Government’s Commitment
During the launch, Minister Joshi emphasized the government’s dedication to providing essential food items at affordable prices. Direct interventions in the retail sale of basic food items have helped maintain price stability.
Support for Domestic Pulse Production
The government has raised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for pulses annually and announced procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masur without a ceiling for the 2024-25 season. NCCF and NAFED have conducted awareness campaigns and seed distribution for the Kharif 2024-25 sowing season, with similar plans for the Rabi season.
Import and Price Stabilization
To ensure adequate supply, duty-free imports of pulses are extended until March 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024. This strategy, along with increased Kharif pulse cultivation, has led to stable or declining prices of most pulses since July 2024.
Efforts to Stabilize Vegetable Prices
The government procured 4.7 lakh tonnes of onions from the Rabi crop for price stabilization. Since September 5, 2024, 1.15 lakh tonnes have been distributed across various states. Onions are transported in bulk by rail, with the Kanda Express recently delivering 1,600 metric tonnes from Nashik to Delhi.
The Department of Consumer Affairs has requested Indian Railways to facilitate onion transport to the northeastern region, ensuring wider availability at reasonable prices.
Doubts Revealed
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a person who is part of the central government of India and is responsible for a specific department or ministry, like education or health.
Pralhad Joshi -: Pralhad Joshi is an Indian politician who is a member of the central government and works on important projects and policies for the country.
Bharat Chana Dal Initiative -: This is a government program in India aimed at making Chana Dal, a type of lentil, more affordable for people by converting Chana stock into Chana Dal and selling it at lower prices.
Delhi-NCR -: Delhi-NCR refers to the National Capital Region, which includes Delhi and nearby areas like Gurgaon and Noida, where many people live and work.
Chana Dal -: Chana Dal is a type of lentil that is commonly used in Indian cooking to make dishes like dal curry.
MSP -: MSP stands for Minimum Support Price, which is the price the government promises to pay farmers for their crops to ensure they earn a fair income.
Duty-free imports -: Duty-free imports mean bringing goods into the country without having to pay extra taxes, making them cheaper for people to buy.
Rail transport -: Rail transport refers to using trains to move goods and people from one place to another, which is often faster and cheaper than other methods.