The Centre is also taking steps so that dal prices do not exceed Rs 85 per kg in Delhi and tomato prices are cut by Rs 2-3 by Mother Dairy.
This was communicated to Delhi government representatives at a review meeting by the Centre to monitor prices of pulses, tomatoes and onions.
The standing committee held a meeting on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Secretary, Consumer Affairs, Avinash K. Srivastava to review the price and availability situation of these three commodities.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Agriculture Ministry, NAFED, Mother Dairy, Kendriya Bhandar, the Delhi Government and senior officials of the Department of Consumer Affairs.
"Delhi government was advised to check its price monitoring centres as there is a mismatch between the prices reported by them and those available with the Union Government," the Consumer Affairs Ministry said.
Some key decisions were taken at the meeting to reduce the prices of pulses. Kendriya Bhandar indicated that they are selling tur dal at Rs 86 per kg and can bring the price further down. Nafed has been directed to offer the pulses to Delhi government at prices not exceeding Rs 82 per kg.
Nafed has also been directed to sell milled pulses to Kendriya Bhandar, Safal & NCCF at a rate between Rs 80-85, not exceeding Rs 85 per kg for retailing.
On tomatoes, the review panel was informed that prices are on a downward trend. Mother Dairy is selling three different varieties of tomatoes in Delhi priced at Rs 30, Rs 40 and Rs 55 at present.
The Department of Consumer Affairs has asked Mother Dairy to further cut their tomato prices so as to provide additional relief to consumers. They agreed to reduce the rate by up to Rs 2 to 3 at all of its 400 retail outlets across Delhi from Thursday.
Mother Dairy has also been asked to bring hybrid variety of tomatoes with shelf life of up to 15 days to augment supplies.
Onion prices have also started moderating with the arrival of kharif onions. Nafed has been directed to enhance their supply to consuming centres including Delhi. Further, Mother Dairy and Safal will be provided additional stock for retailing in Delhi by up to 4 trucks daily which will immediately have an impact on prices.
Nafed informed that post elections in Maharashtra, the supplies from Maharashtra to consuming states are being augmented.
( With inputs from IANS )