Mumbai: Maharashtra cabinet today decided to lift ban on sale of "lakholi" dal, which is a major produce of Vidarbha region.

There was a ban on sale, distribution and hoarding of "lakholi" dal from November 15, 1961. The ban was imposed as the dal was certified "not suitable" for consumption.

With the cabinet approving the decision to lift the ban, farmers in Vidarbha region have heaved a sigh of relief. The ban was being lifted considering a widespread demand for the same, an official release said.

Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh had earlier this month asked officials to adopt a pro-active and positive approach on the issue of lifting the ban.

Both the government and opposition are unanimous about lifting the ban on "lakholi" dal, Deshmukh had said while speaking at a meeting here.

Several legislators present at the meeting had said that despite a ban on the sale of the dal, it is produced, sold and consumed by the people and there have been no ill-effects on their health.

Speaking in the state assembly on April 24, Deshmukh had said that in-principle a decision had been taken on lifting the ban. He had said that opinion of the Advocate General would be taken to resolve the technical hitches in the matter.

Source : PTI