Prices of gram and gram dal increased before festivals

Prices of gram and gram dal have seen a jump before the festive season, its price has seen a rise of 10 percent so far. Whereas in June, the inflation rate of pulses had crossed 21 percent. However, in the month of July, retail inflation has come down to 3.54 percent on an annual basis. Earlier in June, the inflation rate was at 5.08 percent. Despite this, the prices of pulses have remained in double digits for 12 months and are not taking the name of coming down.

Prices of gram dal have increased by 10 percent so far before the festive season. Apart from gram dal in the thali, gram is used more in the form of gram flour during festivals, in which sweets, namkeen and other food items are prominent. Due to this, the pockets of common people can be affected. According to the industry, the gram which was being sold in the retail market between Rs 80 and Rs 85 till last month is being sold today at Rs 90 and Rs 95. In this way, the Kabuli chana which was being sold in the retail market between Rs 115 and Rs 125 is being sold at Rs 130 and Rs 140 per kg.

According to a report, the demand for pulses increases during the festive season. There has been a huge increase of 10 percent in the price of chana dal as compared to last month. Kirti Rana, a member of Navi Mumbai Grain Association, says that the central government is selling pulses at the price of Rs 60 per kg through NAFED to provide relief from expensive pulses. According to the data, the ex-mill price of tur dal in Akola, Maharashtra has come down by Rs 700 per quintal in a month which is 4.2 percent to Rs 15,800 per quintal, whereas on an annual basis this price is 9 percent higher.

With the onset of the festive season, traders have started selling gram in bulk, as it is used as gram flour in sweets and namkeen. Yogesh Ganatra, a trader at Mumbai’s Masjid Bandar Market (a major wholesale and retail market for spices, dry fruits and grocery), says that the prices of all pulses have remained in double digits for the last one year. There has been no reduction in it yet. We feel that the prices of pulses will increase in the coming days. Shankar Thakkar, General Secretary of Confederation of All India Traders (CAT) Maharashtra State and National President of All India Edible Oil Traders Federation, said that the prices of pulses have already spoiled the taste of the plate of common consumers. In the last 1 year, the inflation of pulses is not coming down despite many steps taken by the government.