PTI reports as directed by the govt. the cooperative body Nafed has started disposing pulses and the substantial quantity is likely to be sold to defence, para-military forces and state governments.
Nafed is one of the agencies which had procured pulses on behalf of the government for creating a buffer stock for use in period of shortages.
The cooperative has procured a record 8.76 lakh tonnes pulses during the 2016-17 fiscal. Of which, maximum of 6.65 lakh tonnes of tur has been bought, followed by 1.29 lakh tonnes of moong, 59,000 tonnes of urad and 3,000 tonnes of masoor, it said. Besides, Nafed has procured 2.20 lakh tonnes of groundnut, copra and other oilseeds in the same period.
The government has said it is actively considering a financial package to debt-ridden Nafed and will take a decision in the matter.
Nafed has been incurring losses because of mounting interest liability on outstanding loans due to its failed tie-up business. It has been seeking a revival package from the government to run its operations.