Under fire from the Opposition over rising prices, especially that of pulses and sugar, the Government has swung into action to tackle the rising prices of both these items as well as that of foodgrains. “We are working for a government-to-government purchase of pulses to ensure availability of pulses in domestic prices. We are working through diplomatic channels with Myanmar, South Africa and Argentina for purchasing pulses,” Food and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar told reporters on Thursday without disclosing the exact quantities involved.

Pawar informed that he would be meeting representatives of the sugar industry next week to ensure availability in the domestic market through PDS. He hinted that the government is considering steps like raising the statutory minimum price for sugarcane to give an incentive to growers. “The matter is before the Cabinet and a decision is likely next week,” he added.

With sugar prices breaching Rs 30 per kg mark this week, a Committee of Secretaries, headed by Cabinet Secretary, is learnt to have decided to remove hurdles in the import of sugar.

The Cabinet has recently extended the validity for duty-free raw sugar import and allowed duty-free import of refined sugar by private parties to ensure domestic availability.

Pawar said the government will resort to open market sale of foodgrains to keep a check on prices in the current situation. “The empowered GoM will meet in the next seven or eight days to decide on selling wheat and rice in the open market,” said Pawar. Sources in the Food Department said the government has earmarked 30 lakh tonnes of wheat for open market sale during the year.

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