For the first time, the Centre has created a buffer stock of 10 lakh metric tonnes of pulses through domestic procurement and imports. An official release said, of this five lakh tonnes have been procured during ongoing kharif marketing season. The buffer stock of pulses would be used to intervene in the market in case of price rise. The government had decided to create buffer stock after the retail prices skyrocketed in the domestic market. This move along with other steps has helped in bringing down the rates significantly.<br/> <br/>The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on prices and availability of select essential commodities yesterday held a meeting under the chairmanship of Consumer Affairs Secretary. The IMC directed procuring agencies to continue procurement operations for pulses at MSP plus bonus. <br/> <br/>AIR correspondent reports that this procurement helped farmers in getting remunerative prices for kharif pulses. Procurement and price support would incentivize farmers to take up cultivation of pulses on larger scale.