Pulses turn costlier ahead of festivals in Chalisgaon, arhar at Rs 150 and moth up to Rs 180 a kg

Inflation has sharpened in Chalisgaon in Jalgaon district just ahead of the festivals. Pulse prices have crossed Rs 100 a kg, and the effect is being felt directly by ordinary people. With the shadow of drought over the state on one side and rising prices on the other, household budgets have been thrown into disarray.

According to market rates, chana dal has risen to Rs 100 a kg. Moong dal is at Rs 130 and arhar (tur) dal at Rs 150 a kg. Lobia dal has reached Rs 140 a kg and masur dal Rs 100 a kg. The price of local moth has gone up to between Rs 170 and Rs 180 a kg.

Along with pulses, prices of jowar, bajra and wheat are also adding to customers' worries. Wheat and Lokwan wheat are priced at Rs 35 a kg, pushing up the monthly grocery bill for families. Rising rice prices are also upsetting budgets, people are saying.

Ordinary people now face the question of how to manage with higher prices for wheat, rice and the various pulses. Incomes are limited while the prices of daily necessities are soaring, so housewives' monthly budgets have gone awry.

Families that earlier stocked up on all their groceries at the start of the month now have to fix the quantity of each item before buying. Because of the price rise, some families have had to cut back even on daily needs. They are asking how they will meet festival expenses.

Drought-like conditions prevail in the state. Against this backdrop, higher grain prices are directly affecting people's lives. Concrete steps are being described as necessary to give relief to citizens bearing the burden of inflation. These include keeping market prices in check, watching for hoarding and artificial price rises, and providing essential items at low prices to needy families.

People hope that the government will keep a watch on market prices during the festival season and take effective steps to control inflation. Public anger is growing with the rising prices.