Measures to tame inflation depend on grain output: Pawar

Expressing concern over high food inflation, agriculture minister Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said the government is taking all possible steps to keep inflation under control, but the success of these measures depends on production of foodgrain and other related commodities. "The government of India and state governments are concerned about inflation, especially of high inflation of food articles in recent times," Pawar said.

Food inflation was recorded at 9.5% for the week ended March 19 amid easing pulses prices, even as fruits and protein-based items remained costly. Pawar said high food inflation was partly due to the failure of the monsoon in many states during 2009-10 and partly due to increased income levels and a preference for high quality fruits and vegetables, besides crop failures during certain periods.