Pawar under pressure: Says sugar prices may fall in 10 days

As per cnnibn live, Pawar govt. was aware of sugar crisis a year ago. They should have imported sugar six months ago when the sugar prices of import was Rs.17 per kg.
Few days back when questioned Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar when the sugar price would fall, he said, "I am not a astrologer to predict the rise and fall of sugar prices".

Countries hike sugar prices when they know India is going to import sugar. Sugar prices has jumped to a record all time high this season.

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said on Wednesday, high food price inflation may start moderating in seven to 10 days, following the measures unveiled by the government.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will meet chief ministers in New Delhi on January 27 to discuss the soaring prices of essential commodities, said Pawar.

Pawar told reporters here after a cabinet meeting that the Prime Minister would also discuss the implementation of the Essential Commodities Act with the chief ministers.

Pawar also said that state governments were not lifting the wheat and rice stocks made available to them by the central government.

He said that states had been told to take stern action against hoarders of food. "This will also be reviewed in the conference of chief ministers."

Additionally, steps will be taken to check smuggling of sugarcane and sugar from India to Nepal.

source: ibnlive.in