Prices of pulses in city up by 20%

While the drought has hit the food grain and vegetable produce, the government crackdown on hoarders have led to genuine shops, too, limiting their stock

The agrarian crisis has led to a 10-20% rise in prices of pulses and other staple items over the past month, pushing up the household budgets. According to traders, the prices are expected to rise in the coming days.

According to traders, the prices are expected to rise in the coming days. (HT File)

While the drought has hit the food grain and vegetable produce, the government crackdown on hoarders have led to genuine shops, too, limiting their stock.

The price of tur dal has increased to Rs135 a kilogram (kg) from Rs100 a month ago, while urad dal is priced at Rs180 a kg from Rs160 a kg. The rate of sugar, too, has increased to Rs48 a kg from Rs44.

Popat Bhandari, secretary, grain, rice and oil seed merchants’ association, said the overall conditions have facilitated the hike in rates of pulses and other staple items. “The prices have increased owing to the decrease in production and restriction on the imports. They will rise further in the days to come,” he said.

Citizens want the government to take steps to reduce the burden. “It becomes difficult to manage the monthly budget. The government should take steps to reduce our burden,” said Manisha Parmar, a resident of Parel.