Sunday, June 14, 2009

Govt to Take Steps to Curb Price Hike

Industry and Commerce Secretary Purshottam Ojha at an interaction here today assured of a solution to the problem of spiralling food prices.

Continuing hike in food and vegetable prices is a growing cause for concern apart from the power-cuts, lack of rainfall, bandhs and frequent strikes that have caused a food and commodities supply crunch. “The government must take steps to contain the alarming rise in basic food prices, and should lobby for an environment that is conducive to the consumers and where they are not cheated,” said Nepal Chambers of Commerce (NCC) president Surendra Bir Malakar. He added that there should a law incorporated in the constitution restricting bandhs and strikes to prevent food products supply crisis in the country.

The crop yield has not been able meet the needs of the people due to insufficient supply of seeds and fertilizers to farmers across the country, Besides, the scanty rainfall has added to the agriculture sector’s woes. “This year, the food price hike has broken all records. Earlier, due to shortage, prices would get high for a certain period of time but as soon as flow of supply resumed prices would be normalise,” said Bharat Prasad Khatiwada, member of Vegetable and Fruit Association of Nepal.

Secretary Ojha said that the government would prioritise perishable goods and ensure that supply and demand flow are evenly matched.

“There are three solutions to combat the problem — control of product export, facilitation of import and generation of products,” said Ojha.

No comments: