Mumbai. A bearish trend prevailed in the Masoor market during the current week. Prices declined due to weak demand and mounting selling pressure. The market failed to receive expected support as pulse mills limited their buying to immediate requirements. While arrivals in producing regions remain below normal, prices remain under pressure due to the lack of anticipated improvement in demand. Sluggish consumer-level demand has prompted pulse mills to restrict purchases to actual needs. Market analysts note that current Masoor prices are trading below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Consequently, farmers and stockists are avoiding aggressive selling, providing some support to the market at lower levels. Experts believe that, given the limited arrivals and controlled stock levels, the likelihood of a significant price drop is currently low. However, the market could regain strength in the coming months if demand for pulses rises. Prices of imported Masoor fell by ₹50–75 per quintal this week due to increased selling pressure from importers and persistent sluggish demand. Following this decline, prices stood at ₹5,675–5,725 per quintal for Mundra-origin Canadian Masoor, ₹5,700 for Hazira-origin, ₹6,050 for containerized Canadian Masoor, and ₹6,050 for Australian Masoor.

Sowing of Masoor has concluded in Canada's Prairie region, and crop conditions remain favorable due to good weather. While prices remain stable amidst promising crop prospects, market pressure is beginning to mount. Meanwhile, concerns persist regarding the impact of a weak monsoon and El Niño on India's Kharif pulse production, particularly Tur (pigeon pea). This situation could drive up demand for Masoor imports as a substitute for Tur. Meanwhile, red lentil production in Australia is also likely to increase due to an expansion in the sowing area and favorable weather conditions. Consequently, stiff competition between Canada and Australia is expected in the global lentil export market in the coming months. In Canada, prices for red and bold green lentils are currently hovering at similar levels.

Due to sluggish buying activity, prices in Delhi fell by ₹50–100 per quintal during the week. By the weekend, rates stood at ₹7,400 per quintal for 'Chhoti Kota', ₹8,200–8,250 for 'Bundi', ₹8,600–8,650 for 'Uttar Pradesh' variety, and ₹6,700 for 'Desi Badi' (large native variety).

Amidst subdued demand, lentil prices in Madhya Pradesh dropped by ₹100–150 per quintal this week. Weekend rates settled at ₹6,000–6,250 in Ashoknagar, ₹6,000–6,300 in Bina, ₹5,800–6,100 in Ganjbasoda, ₹6,000–6,300 in Sagar, ₹5,800–6,200 in Damoh, ₹6,200 in Indore, ₹4,000–6,330 in Kareli, and ₹6,550–6,600 in Katni per quintal.

Due to sluggish demand, a decline of ₹100–200 per quintal for small lentils and ₹50–100 per quintal for large lentils was recorded in Uttar Pradesh this week. Weekend prices stood at ₹9,900 for 'Chhoti' (small) and ₹6,750 for 'Moti' (bold/large) varieties in Bareilly; ₹6,200–6,300 for 'Moti' and ₹8,500–8,800 for 'Chhoti' in Lalitpur; and ₹6,000–6,250 per quintal in Orai.

Due to the impact of a broad-based decline and sluggish demand, prices of Bihar masoor (red lentil) softened by ₹50 per quintal this week; by the weekend, rates stood at ₹6,700 per quintal in Barh, ₹6,600 in Khusrupur, and ₹6,700 in Mokama. Similarly, Raipur masoor prices saw a drop of ₹100 per quintal, settling at ₹6,200 per quintal by the weekend.

Reflecting the decline in masoor prices and weak demand, masoor dal prices fell by ₹50–100 per quintal during the week. By the weekend, rates stood at ₹7,300–7,400 per quintal in Indore, ₹7,500–7,800 in Barh, ₹7,400–7,700 in Khusrupur, ₹7,500–7,800 in Mokama, ₹8,500 in Chandausi, and ₹7,650 in Hyderabad.