Indian govt. concerned about rising food prices

Centre has conveyed its concern over rising prices of key kitchen items to the state governments and…

Centre has conveyed its concern over rising prices of key kitchen items to the state governments and has asked them to put their plans in place to augment supply so that prices get stabilized. According to the data made available to the states, prices of items particularly tomato, pulses and onion went up steadily in June in comparison to the corresponding period in 2014.

The only relief has been the falling prices of potato. The retail price of potato has fallen by almost 40% over the year.

According to consumer affairs ministry data, over a year, both wholesale and retail tomato prices have risen by 43% and 36% respectively. Sources said the prices may go up in the near future as there is little scope of increase in supply of tomatoes during the festive season. "Though this item cannot be stored for long, traders may push prices artificially. States have to ensure traders don't exploit the situation," said a central government official.

The action plan to deal with situation that has been agreed by the states include sustained action against hoarding and black-marketing, identifying vulnerable areas where supply shortages occur and ensure that "stock-out" situations do not occur especially of items of common consumption.

States have also been asked to mobilize existing storage capacity to ensure adequate decentralized stocks are maintained and to tap corporations, cooperative societies and fair price shops for augmenting distribution avenues for essential food items. Centre has asked them to establish price monitoring cells to monitor the prices of these specific commodities.