Upward trend in domestic pulse market prices continues

New Delhi. Unfavorable weather and monsoon conditions are likely to lead to a decline in the production of Kharif pulse crops, while sowing for the Rabi season faces potential disruptions. This is creating a positive psychological impact on the domestic pulse market. Demand for gram (chana) and peas is rising due to the festive season, sustaining the upward trend in prices. Imports from abroad are also declining.

In India, imports of Tur (pigeon pea) and Urad (black gram) are duty-free until March 31, 2027, while imports of Moong (green gram) are restricted. Conversely, an import duty of 10% applies to domestic varieties of gram and Masoor (lentils), and 30% to yellow peas. There is speculation within the industry and trade sectors about whether the government might reduce or abolish import duties on pulses to boost domestic supply and availability, thereby curbing the price surge. Another key question is whether removing customs duties would actually enable sufficient imports of affordable pulses into India. It is worth noting that the basic import duty on gram and Masoor is currently only 10%.

Prices of major pulses—such as gram, Masoor, Tur, Moong, and peas—have risen by more than 10% in recent weeks. Crops of Tur, Urad, and Moong remain at risk in major producing states. Meanwhile, the global supply situation for pulses remains complex, and the rupee continues to depreciate against the dollar. Festive season demand also persists.

Wholesale prices of gram have increased by approximately 11% over the past month. Similarly, prices of tur (pigeon pea) rose by 65 percent, moong (green gram) by 10.6 percent, and peas by 6 percent. Pulse production is likely to decline in drought-affected states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. Exports of yellow peas from Russia and Ukraine are facing significant disruptions, which is expected to reduce global market supplies. This could provide Canada with an opportunity to raise the price of its peas. In India, yellow pea imports will become quite expensive due to the depreciation of the rupee and a high import duty of 30 percent.