Consumer Affairs Secretary Urges Retailers to Lower Prices of Pulses Ahead of Festive Season

New Delhi: In a significant meeting held today, Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, engaged with the Retailers Association of India (RAI) and representatives from major organized retail chains to address concerns over the pricing of key pulses. With the festive season approaching, the meeting focused on the divergence between declining mandi prices and relatively unchanged retail prices of pulses, particularly Tur, Urad, and Chana.

During the meeting, Khare pointed out that despite an average 10% decline in mandi prices of Tur and Urad over the last three months, this reduction has not been reflected in retail prices. Similarly, while Chana mandi prices have dropped in the past month, retail prices continue to rise. She emphasized that this widening gap between wholesale and retail prices suggests that retailers are extracting unwarranted margins, a trend that will be closely monitored. If the discrepancies persist, necessary actions may be initiated to address these unjustified margins.

Key officials from RAI, along with representatives from Reliance Retail Ltd., Vishal Mart, D Mart, Spencer, and More Retail, participated in the discussion.

Khare also highlighted the improving availability of pulses. Kharif Urad and Moong have begun arriving in the markets, while imports of Tur and Urad from East African countries and Myanmar are steadily augmenting domestic production. She noted that stock disclosures by large retail chains on the Department of Consumer Affairs’ portal show a steady increase, reflecting a comfortable supply situation.

In addition, she pointed out that this year’s Kharif pulse sowing area has exceeded last year’s by over 7%, with favorable crop conditions. To ensure self-sufficiency, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has assigned focused plans to major pulse-producing states in preparation for Rabi sowing. NAFED and NCCF will assist in farmers’ registration and seed distribution, as successfully done during the Kharif season.

Given the current availability and easing mandi prices, Khare urged retailers to support the government’s efforts in making pulses affordable for consumers. She encouraged organized retail chains to collaborate with NAFED and NCCF in distributing Bharat Dals, including Bharat Masur Dal and Bharat Moong Dal, to ensure wider access for consumers across the country.