Guwahati: The Department of Consumer Affairs organized a round table consultation to discuss on food price management and expanding pulses and horticultural crop production in the North Eastern region. During the roundtable consultation in Guwahati on November 8, 2024, the Secretary of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, Nidhi Khare highlighted the potential of North East states in increasing the production of pulses to augment national availability and reduce import dependency.
"Along with reducing the import dependency, prices of essential commodities can be moderated with increased production that will have larger impact on overall food inflation and economy. The role of Northeastern states is critical in achieving self-sufficiency in pulses production by 2027," the Secretary of Consumer Affairs stated.
To ensure wider availability of onions in North-eastern States and lead to decline in prices, a shipment of 840 MT onion arrived at Changsari Station in Guwahati on 5th November, 2024 by rail rake. "The onion is being distributed by NCCF in various district of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and other NE States," Nidhi Khare said.
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She also revealed that bulk transportation of onions to major destinations such as Delhi, Chennai and Guwahati by rail rake has been adopted for the first time, for a more cost-effective and efficient disposal. This has helped in augmenting availability and in bring down the prices. Moreover, representative from ICAR, highlighted the research progress, availability of suitable pulses varieties for northeastern states and the pulses seed hubs in the region that can support promoting pulses production in the states.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
