Buffer stock is a strategy used by governments to maintain supplies of goods and stabilize prices. In context of toor dal, India's government maintains buffer stocks of the commodity to regulate its price. Here are some points that explain the concept of buffer stock in managing toor dal prices in India:

• Buffer stock also referred to as the stockpile is the quantity of a particular commodity bought by the Government.
• In India, toor dal is widely consumed and plays a vital role in the Indian diet. However, its production is highly unpredictable due to factors like weather and pests.
• The Government's decision to maintain buffer stock of toor dal ensures that it can sell it in the open market if prices rise beyond affordable levels.
• This selling will bring down the market prices, reducing inflation and ensuring adequate supplies of toor dal throughout the year.
• The buffer stock helps in regulating prices as the Government releases toor dal in the market when prices rise, and buys it from the market when prices go down
• The buffer stock scheme ensures food security, price stabilisation and protects farmers from market-price fluctuations.

In a nutshell, the buffer stock of toor dal acts as a safety net against price fluctuations and ensures that the commodity remains affordable and accessible to all sections of society.