HYDERABAD: Agriculture Minister N. Raghuveera Reddy went provision-shopping on Saturday. He purchased pulses, tamarind and edible oil at Mehidipatnam and Erragadda Rythu Bazars.

Accompanied by officials, he inspected the two Rythu Bazars to check out the prices of essential commodities.

Following the rise in prices of tamarind, black gram, green gram, red gram and edible oil in the open market, the Government has decided to supply these commodities at lesser prices in the Rythu Bazars across the State.

The Civil Supplies Corporation, A.P. Markfed and Girijan Corporation have been instructed to ensure sufficient stock of these essential commodities for the convenience of consumers.

Selling prices

The Minister went around Rythu Bazars at Mehdipatnam and Erragadda and found all the outlets selling blackgram at Rs. 43 a kg, green gram at Rs 42 a kg, red gram and tamarind at Rs. 30 a kg each and the Vijaya brand of edible oil at Rs. 44.70 per litre.

The price differential in the open market was in the range of Rs. 3-4 in the case of pulses and oil, while it was between Rs. 8-10 in the case of tamarind.

T. Radha, managing director of Oil Seeds Federation, and P.Ch. Rama Brahmam, general manager (Marketing), Civil Supplies Corporation, were also present. Mr. Raghuveera Reddy also visited a retail shop at Erragadda and bought the same commodities at a slightly higher price.

Stabilising prices

At Mehdipatnam Rythu Bazar, a consumer complained that ladiesfinger was being sold at Rs. 12 a kg while it was available at half the price at Guddimalkapur vegetable market. The Minister directed the Estate officer to look into the matter.

He later told presspersons that the whole idea of Government intervention was to stabilise the prices of essential commodities in the open market.

Making efforts

He said on account of heavy rains, there was dearth of stocks in the Rythu Bazars of some districts. The situation is likely to improve in the next few days, he said. Efforts were on to supply soyabean oil also through Rythu Bazars as it was good for health.

He urged the consumers to make use of the facility at Rythu Bazars.

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