Potential Softening in Urad Prices Due to Higher Imports and Weak Demand

Indore. Given the ongoing arrival of the new Kharif crop, weakening demand from pulse mills, and the prospect of increased imports from Myanmar and Brazil, the India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA)—a leading trade body—has indicated that domestic prices for *tur* (pigeon pea) may remain somewhat soft in the near term. However, should prices rise in the supplying nations—Myanmar and Brazil—making imports more expensive, *urad* (black gram) prices could potentially strengthen. There are signs that demand for *urad* is weakening.

Prices of imported *urad* are under pressure due to reselling at lower rates. As prices in the exporting countries are currently not particularly high or surging, a steady flow of *urad* continues to arrive in India. Due to sluggish demand for pulses, millers are limiting their purchases of whole *urad*. For the third consecutive week, a softening in prices has been observed for FAQ-grade *urad* imported from Myanmar, as well as for *urad* arriving from Brazil.

Conversely, prices for 'Special Quality' (SQ) *urad* from Myanmar remain firm, driven by strong buying interest; some older contracts for this variety are also being settled. In the Gangosh *mandi* (market) of Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, approximately 20,000 bags (50 kg each) of *urad* arrived recently, with prices recorded at ₹8,100–₹8,200 per quintal. The price for delivery to Delhi stood at ₹8,500–₹8,600 per quintal. Meanwhile, in Chandausi, the condition of the *urad* crop is reported to be better than it was last year.