The state government has urged the Centre to supply pulses at subsidized rates. The meeting was convened by the ministry of consumer affairs, food and public distribution to tackle inflation of food items. Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan presided the meeting. The meeting was held in New Delhi on 25th August 2015. The Centre will provide states a subsidy of Rs 10 per kg on imported tur dal (pigeon peas) to make it available to people at an affordable cost.
The Centre has decided to import 5,000 tonne arhar dal to check its spiraling price. The central government will supply tur dal to states at Rs 67 per kg as against the import price of Rs 77 a kg. Tur dal is being sold at a current average retail price of Rs 135 per kg across the country. Total production of pulses is estimated to have fallen to 17.38 million tonnes in 2014-15 crop year (July-June) from 19.25 million tonnes in the previous year due to deficient monsoon and unseasonal rains. India annually imports 3-4 million tonnes of pulses to meet the domestic demand.
Point to notes about Arhar Dal:
- English Name: Pigeon pea
- Origin: South Asia
- The pigeon pea is the first seed legume plant to have its complete genome sequenced.
- Binominal Name: Cajanus cajan.
- Pigeon peas contain high levels of protein and the important amino acids methionine,lysine, and tryptophan.
What is Subsidy?
A benefit given by the government to groups or individuals usually in the form of a cash payment or tax reduction. A subsidy is a form of financial aid or support extended to an economic sector (or institution, business, or individual) generally with the aim of promoting economic and social policy.
Related Question:
Who is the food supplies and consumer welfare minister?
