The Centre has decided to provide 20 rupees per kilogram subsidy on the import of pulses to the states. It will be paid to the designated importing agencies up to a maximum of the number of BPL card holders in a particular state.

The move comes in wake of mismatch between demand and supply of pulses, lower acreage under pulses in the current fiscal, and delayed monsoon.

An official release says, imported pulses will be supplied at reasonable prices to the below poverty line population,BPL, through public distribution system.

Designated import agencies will directly enter into contract with the states and union territories for supply of imported pulses. The proposed scheme will make available pulses, a critical protein requirement to the vulnerable sections of society at subsidized rates.

The state and union territories will monitor to ensure that the subsidy benefit reaches the targeted population. This scheme will be in operation till 31st of March next year.