Ministry of Commerce and Supplies (MoCS) took a decision in this connection last week. It believes that increase in supply and distribution at lower rates through state-owned enterprises will compel private-sector players to slash prices.
"Salt Trading and Nepal Food Corporation have been assigned to import the different varieties of pulses. They will initiate the process in this regard immediately," said Kailash Bajimaya, director at the Department of Commerce.
The price of red lentils rose to Rs 110 per kilogram (kg) in August from Rs 90 in June. Black gram has also become more expensive, by Rs 40 per kg, over this period. It is presently priced at Rs 140 per kg.
Sanjaya Tuladhar, a grocer at Asan Bazaar, attributed the rise in the price of pulses to supply constraints.
"Decline in production of pulses is one major reason behind the price hike," he said.
Statistics at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives show that production of pulses across the country declined by 5.3 percent to 255,000 tons in fiscal year 2008/09. The overall area planted had also declined during the year.
On the other hand, customs records show that Nepal had exported over Rs 5 billion worth of pulses to south Asian countries including Bangladesh over the 11 months of 2008/09.
As officials have attributed the price rise to short supply, MoCS recently also restricted the export of pulses.
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