★ The Centre may release pulses from its buffer stock in a calibrated manner if prices rise due to the impact of El Niño on crop production. The government currently holds around 4.24 million tonnes (42.4 lakh tonnes) of pulses, including 2.76 million tonnes under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) and 1.47 million tonnes under the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF). The buffer includes about 2 million tonnes of chana and 0.7–0.8 million tonnes of tur.

★ The government is closely monitoring kharif crop prospects, retail prices and the potential impact of El Niño. Officials said the buffer stock will be used to curb hoarding, discourage speculative trading and stabilise market prices whenever necessary.

★ Pulses acreage stood at 9.51 million hectares at the end of July, down 6.3% from a year ago. Weak monsoon conditions in parts of central and southern India could affect tur and urad yields, while the major impact of El Niño is expected to be seen on the upcoming rabi chana crop.

★ To ensure adequate domestic supplies, the government has extended the duty-free import policy for tur and urad until March 31, 2027, while the 30% import duty on yellow peas will continue through FY27.