Tur dal prices crash in Telangana

 

Local farmers, who hoped to get good returns are upset with the sudden drop in prices. Farmers at the Narayankhed market yard in Medak district and Tandur market yard in Ranga Reddy district, the major wholesale markets for tur dal, resorted to flash protests as the prices crashed in just two days. They forced shops to close, demanding higher prices for their produce. They demanded that their stocks be bought first before stocks from other states. They also alleged a nexus between market officials and traders. “There was a huge shortage of tur dal in the last four months which led to escalation of prices. However, fresh arrivals have increased from Maharashtra and Karnataka. When supplies increase, prices fall. Farmers should understand this,” said Mr Habeeb Alwi, Tandur market supervisor.

 

The TS government has set up nearly 130 special counters to sell tur dal at a subsidised price of Rs 135 per kg at all rythu bazaars and mandal headquarters after the prices rose to Rs 200. “The prices will further come down by January. The price has come down from Rs 170 per kg to Rs 140 in retail markets within a week. It may fall below Rs 100 by February," said Mr B. Venkateshwarlu of the Tur Dal Dealers’ Association.