Mumbai: The domestic Masoor market witnessed a trend of price recovery during the current week. The market received strong support as selling pressure from farmers and stockists eased at lower price levels, coupled with rising demand from pulse mills. Masoor prices remained firm across most major markets throughout the week, and trading activity improved compared to earlier periods. According to trade sources, arrivals in major markets were relatively low this week due to rainfall in Masoor-producing regions. Reduced arrivals limited market availability, while pulse mills increased their purchases to meet requirements. This boosted market interest and led to a recovery in prices. Traders state that selling pressure at current levels has subsided following the recent price decline. Meanwhile, pulse mills showed active buying interest in anticipation of future needs, strengthening the market trend. A balance was maintained in the market due to limited arrivals and improved demand, providing further support to prices. Experts suggest that if arrivals remain restricted in the coming days due to rains in producing regions and the demand for pulses continues to improve, Masoor prices could see further strengthening.

Prices of imported Masoor recorded a decline of ₹50–100 per quintal this week due to increased selling by importers and weak demand. By the weekend, trading took place at the following rates per quintal: Mundra Canada Masoor at ₹5,525–5,550, Hazira at ₹5,600, Container Canada at ₹5,850, and Australia Masoor at ₹5,900.

Masoor trading in Western Canada has remained sluggish over the past few days, resulting in price stability. Sowing of Masoor in Canada has been completed, and the harvest of the new crop is expected to begin in August. Although there has been some reduction in the sowing area this year, the supply situation remains satisfactory for now due to the availability of ample stocks from the previous season. Meanwhile, record lentil production is projected for Australia, and better harvests are expected in Russia and Kazakhstan as well. This suggests that lentil availability in the global market is likely to remain sufficient. Amidst limited buying for the new crop in Canada, FOB prices for lentils currently remain stable.

Driven by increased activity among pulse millers, prices in Delhi rose by ₹50–100 per quintal during the week. By the weekend, rates stood at ₹7,500 per quintal for 'Chhoti Kota', ₹8,350 for 'Bundi', ₹8,800 for 'Uttar Pradesh' variety, and ₹6,800–6,825 for 'Desi Badi'.

Increased buying interest led to a rise of ₹50–100 per quintal in lentil prices across Madhya Pradesh this week. Weekend rates were recorded as follows: Ashoknagar ₹6,000–6,300, Bina ₹6,000–6,400, Ganjbasoda ₹5,800–6,300, Sagar ₹6,000–6,300, Damoh ₹5,900–6,425, Indore ₹6,200, Kareli ₹5,100–6,215, and Katni ₹6,600 per quintal.

Rising demand caused prices in Uttar Pradesh to increase by ₹300 per quintal for 'Chhoti' (small) lentils and ₹100 per quintal for 'Badi' (bold/large) lentils during the week. Weekend rates settled at: Bareilly 'Chhoti' ₹10,100 and 'Moti' (bold) ₹6,800; Lalitpur 'Moti' ₹6,300–6,350 and 'Chhoti' ₹9,000–9,500; and Orai ₹5,900–6,175 per quintal.

Supported by a broad-based rally and improved demand, prices of *Masoor* (red lentil) in Bihar rose by ₹100 per quintal this week; by the weekend, rates stood at ₹6,900 per quintal in Barh, ₹6,800 in Khusrupur, and ₹6,900 in Mokama. In contrast, *Masoor* prices in Raipur remained unchanged throughout the week, holding steady at ₹6,300 per quintal at the close.

Driven by the rise in *Masoor* prices, the price of *Masoor Dal* increased by ₹100 per quintal during the week. By the weekend, rates were ₹7,400–7,500 per quintal in Indore, ₹7,600–7,900 in Barh, ₹7,500–7,800 in Khusrupur, ₹7,600–7,900 in Mokama, ₹8,500 in Chandausi, and ₹7,550 in Hyderabad.