News Capsule: Centre Pushes States to Use Buffer Pulses for Welfare Schemes
11-Apr-2026 01:59 PM
News Capsule: Centre Pushes States to Use Buffer Pulses for Welfare Schemes
★ The Centre has urged states and Union Territories to procure pulses for welfare schemes such as PM-Poshan, ICDS, and PDS from the central buffer stock instead of buying from the open market.
★ According to the Department of Consumer Affairs, the government currently holds 2.8 million tonnes of pulses, including around 0.7 million tonnes each of tur and chana, along with masur and moong.
★ These stocks will be supplied at either the MSP of the stock year or the dynamic reserve price, whichever is lower.
★ The move is aimed at easing procurement for states by eliminating lengthy tendering processes, while also helping the Centre manage surplus stocks efficiently.
★ It is part of the government’s price stabilization strategy, as these reserves are used to control sudden spikes in pulse prices.
★ Since domestic production remains below demand, India still depends on imports of tur, urad, and yellow peas.