Prices of wheat, rice, sugar and edible oils will remain under control during festivals.
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The central government seems ready to keep inflation under control and stop the rise in prices of food grains during the coming festive season. Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said on Thursday that the supply of essential food items like wheat, rice, sugar, edible oil in the country is sufficient and the government is keeping a close watch on black marketeers. This will keep the retail prices of these food items under control during the upcoming festivals. He said that whenever there is a need, the government takes necessary steps.
Sugar prices remain stable
Regarding sugar, he said that although its prices have remained stable, there has been a recent rise in prices at some places due to rumors about the possibility of shortage due to less monsoon rains in August. The country has sufficient sugar reserves of 85 lakh tonnes. This is enough to meet the needs of three and a half months. The government has released 25 lakh tonnes of sugar. Two lakh tonnes of additional sugar has been released in August. He said that broadly the availability of sugar is good. The government does not agree with the apprehensions of the industry organization Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) regarding the decline in sugarcane production this year. The reason for this is that Karnataka and Maharashtra have received good rains in the beginning of this month and we hope that sugarcane production will be better due to this.
Government reduced wheat stock limit after increase in prices
The Food Secretary said that amid the rise in wheat prices, the stock limit for traders, wholesalers and large retailers has been reduced from 3000 tonnes to 2000 tonnes with immediate effect. There is sufficient stock in the country and retail prices are currently stable at an average of Rs 30 per kg. He said the government has further reduced the stock limits on traders, wholesalers and large retailers to curb hoarding and keep prices under control. As of August 31, the government had a stock of 255 lakh tonnes of wheat, while the requirement is 202 lakh tonnes. He said that according to the situation, the government can aggressively sell wheat in the open market.
Rice prices increased due to negative sentiment, there is no talk of shortage
Regarding rice, the Food Secretary said that we are worried about the 10 percent increase in its price. The main reason for the increase in price is the negative perception that some people are creating. It is being said that this year the monsoon has not been so good and rice production is going to be affected. The Secretary said, I would like to tell that the condition of the crop is good. There is no such thing as deficiency.
Record import of edible oil, additional reserves exist
Regarding edible oil, Food Secretary Chopra said that currently 37 lakh tonnes of edible oils have been imported into the country, which is more than 27 lakh tonnes last year. Taking advantage of low global prices, the industry has imported record edible oil this year. Overall, we have excess reserves and as a result, there is no possibility of any shortage or increase in prices in the coming days.
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