Consumer affairs department to get marginal hike in budgetary allocation
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. New Delhi: The budgetary allocation for the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF), established to build buffer stocks of farm produce and check sudden rises in food prices, may see a marginal increase in the upcoming budget for FY26, with the Department of Consumer Affairs expected to receive an increase of up to 3%, bringing its allocation to ₹10,300 crore, according to two people aware of the matter. This increase for FY26 is aimed at supporting the procurement of pulses, onions, and potatoes for buffer stocks, given the estimated rise in the production of key staple food items.
The government procures pulses such as chana, tur, masur, urad, and whole chana for buffer stocks, either directly from farmers or, in case of crop losses, from imports. “There will be a marginal increase in the budgetary allocation for the Department of Consumer Affairs to support ongoing schemes," said the first person. In addition to the ministry of agriculture, the department also undertakes the procurement of pulses under the PSF to control price volatility of essential commodities.
Schemes like selling discounted pulses under the Bharat Dal brand are operated by the department, utilizing PSF funds for their implementation, the person added. The 100% procurement of pulses is part of the government’s commitment to encourage farmers to grow more pulses and reduce the dependence on imports. India’s pulse production has been declining in recent years, hindering the country’s goal of becoming self-reliant in pulses by 2027.
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