Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi, launched the retail of Bharat Chana Dal Phase – II in Delhi-NCR by flagging off mobile vans of NCCF, NAFED, and Kendriya Bhandar on Wednesday.
In this phase, 3 lakh tons of Chana stock from the price stabilization buffer will be converted into Chana Dal and Chana Whole, to be sold at Rs 70 per kg and Rs 58 per kg, respectively. Apart from Chana, the government has expanded the Bharat brand to include Moong and Masur dals. Bharat Moong Dal is priced at Rs 107 per kg, Moong Sabut at Rs 93 per kg, and Masur Dal at Rs 89 per kg. This broadening of the Bharat brand is part of the government’s efforts to ensure the availability of essential food items at affordable prices.
Joshi emphasized that the government’s direct interventions in selling essentials like rice, atta, dals, and onions have helped maintain stable prices. The Centre has also raised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for pulses over the years and introduced a policy to procure Tur, Urad, and Masur without ceiling limits for the 2024-25 season. During the Kharif 2024-25 sowing season, NCCF and NAFED conducted awareness campaigns, distributed seeds, and pre-registered farmers for assured procurement. These efforts will continue in the upcoming Rabi sowing season.