To mitigate rising food prices, the central government initiated the sale of chana dal under the brand ‘Bharat Dal’ at subsidized rates, priced at Rs. 60 per kg for a 1 kg pack and Rs. 55 per kg for a 30 kg pack. ‘Bharat Dal’ is now available at retail outlets operated by NAFED, NCCF, Kendriya Bhandar, and Safal, as well as several e-commerce platforms. Additionally, state governments can procure chana dal for distribution in welfare schemes through state-controlled cooperatives and corporations.
To stabilize pulse prices, the government maintains buffer stocks of major pulses like chana, tur, urad, moong, and masur under the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF). Import duty on tur and urad has been waived until March 31, 2024, while the duty on masur has been reduced to zero, aiming to enhance domestic availability and moderate prices. Stock limits have also been imposed on tur and urad to prevent hoarding.
Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh revealed that the government-procured chana dal sold under the ‘Bharat’ label has quickly gained traction, capturing a quarter of the market share within four months of its launch due to its competitive pricing advantage. Priced at Rs. 60 per kg, the ‘Bharat’ brand chana dal is lower compared to other brands priced around Rs. 80 per kg.
Since its launch in October 2023, approximately 2.28 lakh tonnes of Bharat brand chana dal have been sold, with an average monthly sale of about 45,000 tonnes. Initially available at 100 retail points, the Bharat brand Chana Dal is now sold at 13,000 mobile and fixed retail outlets across 139 cities in 21 states.
This initiative has not only aided in curbing inflation in pulses but has also indirectly impacted the prices of other pulses. The government procures raw chana from agencies like NAFED, NCCF, Kendriya Bhandar, and five state cooperatives, processes it, and retails it under the Bharat brand. Currently, the government maintains a buffer stock of 15 lakh tonnes of chana.
In another move, the Modi government has launched retail sales of ‘Bharat Rice’ to the general public. Initially, 5 LMT (Lakh Metric Tonnes) of rice have been earmarked for retail under the ‘Bharat Rice’ brand, facilitated by NAFED, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandar. Priced at Rs. 29 per kg, Bharat Rice will be available in 5 kg and 10 kg bags through mobile vans, physical outlets, and various retail chains, including e-commerce platforms. This initiative aims to boost consumer interest in rice, mirroring the success observed with other essential commodities under the ‘Bharat’ brand.