Odisha consumers feel the punch as prices of pulses skyrocket

The prices of pulses have started to make a hole in the pockets of consumers who are now feeling the pinch of the price rise.

As per reports, prices of various pulses have seen a sharp increase by Rs 50 to Rs 70 per kg in the past six months. The price of Arhar dal which was being sold at a price ranging from Rs 110 to Rs 120 per kg some six months back has now touched Rs 155 to Rs 175 per kg.

Moong dal which was available at Rs 90 per kg is now being sold at a price between Rs 110 and Rs 115. Similarly, prices of split chickpeas (Chana Dal) and Urad dal, also known as Split Black Gram have also seen a sharp rise.

The impact of the price rise in pulses is directly affecting women as they claim that they cannot drop it from the food menu of the family. But at the same time, the household budget has gone for a toss.

“As dal prices have increased, I am forced to cut dal consumption and use extra vegetables to prepare food items," said Shilpa Biswal, a homemaker.

The traders’ association, on the other hand, admitted that the prices of pulses have seen a steep rise in the past six months.  They alleged that such a situation has cropped up due to arbitrary business practices of some corporate houses.

Binod Sahu, President of Malgodown Retail Association said, “The traders were earlier procuring pulses from Nagpur and other places. Now it is not possible as the big corporate houses are hoarding stock and selling it to wholesalers by keeping a margin of Rs 20 to Rs 50 per kg.”

They are stocking pulses in their godowns and creating artificial shortages and consumers can get relief only if action is taken against such houses for hoarding, the traders’ association members said.

Sudhakar Panda, general secretary, Odisha Byabasai Mahasangh said, “Four to five corporate houses are controlling everything. We want stern action against them. Nobody can say when the prices will increase or decrease.”