In Pakistan Pulses (Daal) are grown on 1.5 million hectors of land, producing 600,000 tonnes last year in comparison with the demand of 1 million tonnes. To cover the gap of supply and demand each year Pakistan imports pulses.
But now it is being observed that though the prices of pulses have fallen in international and wholesale market but the retailers have increased the prices.
- ‘Maash Daal’ is being sold between Rs.200 to Rs.250/kg when the wholesale price is Rs.155-165, while it was being sold in retail shops at Rs.200-225/kg when the wholesale price was Rs.175. Even in the international market the price has decreased from $1,800 to $1,100 a tonne.
- Gram Pulse price at retail stores have increased to Rs.200/kg from Rs.180, while the wholesale price has dropped to Rs.155 from Rs.165/kg.
- Moong and Masoor Pulses are still being sold for Rs.160/kg while the wholesale prices have decreased by Rs.10-20/kg.
[junkie-alert style=”green”] People are complaining that the city and provincial government have once again failed to protect the consumers from being overcharged. [/junkie-alert]
Karachi Wholesalers Grocers Association (KWGA) said the local production of pulses has decreased, though orders have been given for import it will take time, he added. Prices have also increased in Lahore and Islamabad.