JOIN USIn a bid to bring down prices of vegetables, Delhi government on Monday said it will keep a close tab on commission agents at Azadpur, Ghazipur and Keshopur retail markets.
The decision comes after Development Minister Gopal Rai and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Asim Ahmed Khan reviewed the prices of green vegetables and tomatoes, onions and potatoes due to unseasonal rains in many parts of the country.
Officials are directed to keep a close check on the margin of profit between purchases from farmers and final price at which it is sold in the retail market, the government said.
The minister also directed the officials to make arrangements to display the prices in order to avoid confusion about prices. Surprise checks will also be carried out to contain the rising prices, which the government says could be due to variety of factors including hoarding and due to collusion between various agencies.
“The minister has asked officials to take medium and long-term measures to keep the prices of perishable eatables under control, particularly during summer and monsoon months,” the government said in a press statement.
“A task force will be set-up to improve the wholesale markets of Delhi and for the identification of new spots to open more such markets to reduce the pressure on existing ones,” the statement added.