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Rediff.com  » Business » Govt to look into prices' disparity

Govt to look into prices' disparity

Source: PTI
February 25, 2010 18:01 IST
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VegetablesConcerned over the huge difference between wholesale and retail prices of farm produce, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Thursday the government would be looking at various options to deal with the problem.

"There is a huge cost of intermediation from farm gate to kitchen. . . Discussion is necessary to address this problem.

"Suggestions are needed from members of Parliament, chief minsters and those who are involved," he said, intervening in a special discussion on price rise in the Lok Sabha.

He wondered what poor farmers could be getting as there is a huge gap of Rs 6 to 7 per kg in mandi (wholesale) and retail prices.

Mukherjee invited suggestions from various stakeholders, including representatives of people, to deal with the problem of high intermediation cost and bridge the difference between mandi and retail prices.

Responding to Opposition criticism on delay in enactment of the Food Security Act, he said, "People have voted us back not for seven or nine months but for full five years."

The government 'is committed (to enact the Food Security Act)', he said, adding the move was delayed on account of drought and rising commodity prices across the globe.

"This is not the proper time," he added. The issue of price rise rocked Parliament for two days as the Opposition insisted that the debate be taken up through adjournment motion, which involves voting.

Mukherjee intervened in the Rajya Sabha also, where he said due to measures taken by the government, the impact of inflation will be moderte.

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