Record Government Stocks to Aid in Boosting Pulse Supplies
06-Jun-2026 01:20 PM
New Delhi. Robust procurement of gram (chana) has pushed the volume of pulses in the central buffer stock to a peak of 4.3 million tonnes in May 2026; this is nearly two-and-a-half times the 1.8 million tonnes held in May 2025 and roughly double the 2.1 million tonnes held in May 2024. Domestic market prices for pulses have remained relatively stable within a specific range, showing only limited fluctuation, and no significant volatility is expected in the near future. Demand for gram may strengthen somewhat in the coming period.
No major volatility in pulse prices is being observed in the international market either. The pace of imports for desi gram, yellow peas, and red lentils into India remains slow. Domestically, the supply and availability of various pulses remain comfortable, while pulse millers and traders are showing no urgency in making purchases.
Although monsoon rainfall is likely to be deficient this season, it appears unlikely to have a severe adverse impact on the sowing of Kharif pulses; government data supports this view. The Union Ministry of Agriculture has revised the production targets for the 2026-27 Kharif season compared to 2025-26: the target for Arhar (Tur) has been raised by 0.43 million tonnes to 4.02 million tonnes (from 3.59 million tonnes), and the target for Urad has been increased by 0.34 million tonnes to 2.50 million tonnes (from 2.16 million tonnes).
The production target for Moong has been set at 4.48 million tonnes, which is 10,000 tonnes lower than the previous year.
The government states that it holds adequate stocks of pulses; should the production of Kharif pulses decline due to the impact of El Niño and a weak monsoon, this buffer stock can be effectively utilized to maintain a steady supply in the domestic market.
It is worth noting, however, that while the government possesses substantial stocks of gram (chana), tur, moong, and masoor, its stock of urad is low. Large quantities of urad are currently being imported from Myanmar and Brazil.