News Capsule: Pulses & Food Inflation: Likely to Remain Range-Bound or Turn Firm in 2026
29-Dec-2025 09:38 AM
News Capsule: Pulses & Food Inflation: Likely to Remain Range-Bound or Turn Firm in 2026
★ Food inflation, which had climbed to 10.87% in October 2024, has been on a steady decline and was reported at -3.91% in November 2025. This moderation has largely been driven by softer prices of vegetables, cereals, pulses and spices.
★ In FY 2025–26, India’s pulse imports are expected to decline sharply by around 45% to nearly 4 million tonnes, compared with a record 7.34 million tonnes in 2024–25 (including rajma, lobia and others). Adequate stocks at both government and private levels, along with the likelihood of a good rabi harvest of chana and lentils, are expected to keep pulse prices largely under control.
★ Currently, mandi prices of major pulses are ruling 10–20% below last year’s levels as well as below the minimum support price (MSP).
★ According to IGrain India, lower production of tur and urad could keep import dependence relatively high. Government procurement at MSP is also expected to have an impact on market dynamics.
★ In the ongoing rabi season, chana production is expected to increase, lentil output may remain normal, while pea production could decline. Along with these factors, imports of most pulses—except urad—are also declining, which could influence the market outlook ahead.
★ As winter eases, demand for pulses is expected to improve. Based on these factors, pulses markets could turn firm during 2026.
Important Disclaimer:
This report is for informational purposes only I-Grain India does not take any responsibility for profits or losses and does not promote any specific market movement (bullish or bearish). *Please make decisions based on your own judgment and understanding.