New Delhi, Dec 18 (IANS): The Union Government has decided to offer 8.5 lakh metric tonnes of pulses from central buffer to the state governments at average market rates.

The statement released by the government said, "the Department of Consumer Affairs that maintains buffer stock of Pulses for the Union Government under the Price Stabilisation Mechanism has offered approximately 8.5 Lakh Metric tonnes of Pulses to state governments at average market rates."

The statement further said, "the decision in this regard was informed during a meeting chaired by the Secretary Consumer Affairs, Avinash Srivastava to review prices and availability of Pulses across the nation. The purpose is to ensure an increased overall availability of Pulses in the market across India and also to ensure that prices remain stable."

The break-up of this 8.5 LMT is as follows:

Tur 3.2 LMT, Urad 2 LMT, Chana 1.2 LMT, Moong 1.5 LMT, Masoor 57,000 MT