New Delhi: Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Friday warned that prices of pulses and edible oil would go up further in the coming days.
In an exclusive interview to CNN-IBN Pawar said that India would have to import edible oil and pulses for the next 10 years.
"Hundred per cent 100% and in 2011-12 the problem which Government of India will always worry about is what to do and where to store," replied Pawar when asked if he was projecting 2010-11 with lower prices.
He also made a candid admission that his many statements, played up by the media, are making international prices go up.
"These types of making statement are unnecessary creating problems for prices. Nowadays media also gives disproportionate publicity. It affects because India has a different type of customer," said Pawar.
When asked about rising pulses prices, Pawar replied, "We had to import pulses. Edible oil we had to import because day by day demand is growing, purchasing power of the weaker section is also improving. We're spending Rs 25,000 crore for the NREGA that has given tremendous thing to the rural poor and his topmost priority is to get all these items. So the demand is growing, which is a good thing. When we're observing 7 per cent growth in the country, definitely demand will grow. Though production is also improved, demand is further growing."
Pawar also said that re-look at the United Progressive Alliance Government's food subsidy scheme was needed and wondered if above poverty line families should get the same amount of food grains as below poverty line families.
However, he also offered some good news for the consumers saying that sugar prices would come down soon.
Comments
0 comment