Monetary steps may be warranted in the face of sustained rise in food prices: Subbarao

23 Nov 2011 Evaluate

The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Governor D. Subbarao has hinted that the RBI may not change its anti inflationary monetary policy stance as the headline inflation has been hovering close to double digit mark, while the weekly food inflation remains above 10% mark since last five weeks. RBI Governor said that monetary steps may be warranted in the face of sustained rise in food prices.

'The direct role of monetary policy in combating food price pressures is limited, but in the face of sustained high food inflation, monetary action may still be warranted to anchor inflation expectations,' Subbarao said.

In order to control inflation, the RBI has increased its short term lending and borrowing rates for 13 times since March 2010, however, recently the apex bank has indicate that it may take pause in the rate hikes in December policy if inflation falls in line with its projected trajectory. However, the RBI governor feels that the solution to high food prices lies in a supply-side response from government. 'A lasting solution to food price pressures lies in a supply response that raises agricultural production and productivity, improves supply chain management and sets the right incentive framework for both producers and consumers, Subbarao said. By adding further he said 'The outlook on food inflation in the short to medium term will be determined by the speed and quality of such a supply response by the government.'

The governor is of the opinion that one of the main reasons of high food prices is increase in the minimum support prices of foodgarins by the government to the farmers. And shift in dietary habits towards protein-rich foods, pressure stemming from inclusive growth policies, shocks from global food inflation and financialization of commodities were other factors which are other factors.

'Inflation is a regressive tax and hurts the poor the most. The impact can be particularly severe in a country like India with a population of 1.2 billion, a per capita income of less than $1,500 and a large share of food in the total consumption basket,'

Subbarao has further stated that the government's food for work programme and proposed food subsidy bill had the potential to further raise fiscal deficit and inflationary pressures.

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