Strong Sentiment in Tur Dal Market Due to Production Shortfall Concerns

28-Jan-2026 09:08 PM

Mumbai. Due to crop damage caused by various natural calamities, the production of pigeon pea (tur dal) is expected to decline significantly this year in major producing states like Karnataka and Maharashtra.

There is no supply pressure in wholesale markets, while dal millers and traders/stockists are showing good interest in purchasing this important pulse.

Lower production in Myanmar and African countries, coupled with the significant depreciation of the rupee against the dollar, is likely to impact tur dal imports.

Imports of tur dal from abroad have become more expensive. If domestic prices rise, major supplier countries may also increase their export offer prices for tur dal.

The upward trend in domestic tur dal prices has gradually stabilized, and in several producing markets, the price has risen to the Minimum Support Price (MSP), which has been fixed at Rs. 8000 per quintal this year. Further improvement in prices cannot be ruled out.

If prices remain high in Karnataka and Maharashtra, prices will also strengthen in other major producing states – Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

The government also wants to procure tur dal to increase its buffer stock. Procurement has been approved in some states, but if wholesale market prices remain above the MSP, NAFED and NCCF may face difficulties in purchasing tur dal from farmers.

Although the Central Ministry of Agriculture has estimated domestic tur dal production to fall by 27,000 tonnes from 36.24 lakh tonnes in the 2024-25 season to 35.97 lakh tonnes in the current 2025-26 season, the industry and trade sector believes that the actual production may be significantly lower.