ONE of the primary needs of the people is to have access to goods at fair and reasonable prices, with stable price levels and an adequate supply of consumer products. Recognizing this, the State Government is giving priority to food security and the development of domestic production, while also focusing on maintaining price stability in the market.
Price fluctuations often result from changes in the economic landscape, such as supply shortages of essential consumer goods or disruptions in commodity flow. Typically, when these issues are resolved, prices tend to return to normal. However, when prices remain high, it is frequently due to unethical practices such as profiteering, market manipulation, and deliberate disruptions aimed at destabilizing the market. These actions result in continued price increases and undermine market stability.
In some cases, retail businesses operate with modest profit margins, aiming for higher overall returns through larger sales volumes. With current market conditions being relatively favourable, these retailers can still offer goods to consumers at fair prices. On the other hand, many sellers take advantage of the situation, marking up prices even when they acquire goods at lower costs. When procurement prices rise, they increase selling prices further, contributing to a gradual upward trend in commodity prices.
Some traders deliberately exploit the market out of excessive greed, engaging in unethical practices and undermining economic fairness. The presence of such individuals, coupled with market competition and intentional market sabotage, adds further pressure on prices. While traders may benefit from rising prices, the impact is especially harsh on salaried workers and low-income households with limited means.
To address these challenges, it is essential to boost the production of essential food items using existing agricultural resources and infrastructure. Agro-based industries must be developed further, and the cultivation of oilseed crops such as groundnut, sesame, sunflower, and mustard should be promoted to enhance domestic oil sufficiency.
The State is not only supporting the development of production industries for national food security but also working to expose and prevent unethical profiteering. Market stability requires action against monopolies, price manipulation, unfair competition, and money laundering, along with protection for legitimate, fair-operating local businesses.
In addition to these efforts, the State continues to create economic opportunities, support MSMEs, monitor financial activities, enhance export development, and ensure smooth and transparent commodity flow. Together, these actions aim to strengthen the national economy and improve the socio-economic well-being of the population.
