The cabinet would deliberate on the quantum of subsidy to be given on sale of pulses and also the process through which the distribution would take place through the states, sources said. The government is aiming to ensure 1 kg of pulses per family at a price that at least Rs 10 per kg less than market price. The Agriculture Ministry had already favoured the scheme of supplying pulses at subsidized prices through ration shops in the next one and half months especially through state government outlets like Sahakari Bhandars and cooperative stores.

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar had already told the Parliament that if the government has to ensure pulses available to the weaker sections, there is no other alternative than supplying the poor man’s protein through the PDS. Although finer details on the quantum of subsidy is yet to be finalised but if the pattern of edible oils is followed then a 25 per cent subsidy at current prices should come to something around Rs 6-7 per kg. The government is planning to distribute around 1 million tonnes of pulses in the coming few months to curb a spurt in its prices.

India’s annual pulses production has been stagnant at around 15-16 million tonnes, while the demand is hovering around 18 million tonnes. Anxious to bridge the demand-supply mismatch, the Centre had asked state-run trading firms — MMTC, STC, PEC and Nafed — to import 15 lakh tons of pulses in 2007-08 fiscal. According to available official data till October 16 this year these agencies have imported 3.52 lakh tonnes of pulses. Moreover, government generally imports pulses mainly from Myanmar and Australia. Since past few years government has been striving to raise pulses production in the country, but has met with limited success as the crop faces stiff competition for acreage from wheat and rice. Unpredictable monsoon and low returns have also limited any sharp growth in pulses output. Absence of any big breakthrough in pulses seed is also preventing any sharp rise in its output.

Feeling the pulse

* Govt planning to distribute around 1 million tonnes of pulses in the coming few months to curb a spurt in its prices.

* India’s annual pulses production has been stagnant at around 15-16 million tonnes, while the demand is hovering around 18 million tonnes.

* Govt has been striving to raise production of pulses in the country, but has met with limited success as the crop faces stiff competition for acreage from wheat and rice.

* Details of the quantum of subsidy yet to be finalised but if the pattern of edible oils is followed then a 25 per cent subsidy at current prices should come to around Rs 6-7 per kg.