Mumbai: A bearish trend was observed in the Masoor market during the current week. Masoor prices registered a decline due to persistently weak demand and increased selling pressure. Procurement by pulse mills remained strictly need-based, failing to provide the market with the expected support. Arrivals of Masoor in the *mandis* (wholesale markets) of producing regions continue to remain below normal levels. Despite this, prices remained under pressure as the expected surge in demand failed to materialize. Since current prices are trading below the Minimum Support Price (MSP), farmers and stockists are refraining from aggressive selling, thereby providing support to the market at lower levels. On the other hand, demand remains steady in major consuming states such as Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. Market experts suggest that if this demand strengthens further in the coming days, a recovery in Masoor prices could be witnessed. Currently, given the limited arrivals and controlled stock levels in the market, the likelihood of a major price crash is low; conversely, prices could regain strength if demand picks up. Due to increased selling pressure from importers and continued sluggish demand, prices of imported Masoor witnessed a decline of ₹75–100 per quintal this week. Following this decline, the prevailing rates settled at ₹5,925 per quintal for Canadian Masoor at Mundra, ₹5,975 at Hazira, ₹6,150 for Canadian container shipments, and ₹6,150 per quintal for Australian Masoor.

Due to limited buying and selling activity, no significant movement was observed in Delhi prices during the current week. By the weekend, prices settled at ₹7,600 per quintal for 'Small Kota' variety, ₹8,600 for 'Bundi', ₹8,700 for 'Uttar Pradesh' variety, and ₹6,875 for the 'Desi Large' variety.

With consumer demand remaining sluggish, a decline of ₹50–100 per quintal was observed in Madhya Pradesh lentil prices this week. By the weekend, prices stood at ₹6,200–6,400 in Ashoknagar, ₹6,100–6,500 in Bina, ₹6,000–6,400 in Ganj Basoda, ₹6,200–6,500 in Sagar, ₹6,000–6,400 in Damoh, ₹6,200 in Indore, ₹5,000–6,501 in Kareli, and ₹6,750 per quintal in Katni.

Due to waning demand, a decline of ₹100 per quintal for 'Small' lentils and ₹75 per quintal for 'Large' lentils was recorded in Uttar Pradesh during the current week. By the weekend, prices settled at ₹9,900 for 'Small' and ₹6,850 for 'Bold' varieties in Bareilly; ₹6,300–6,375 for 'Bold' and ₹9,000–9,100 for 'Small' varieties in Lalitpur; and ₹6,000–6,250 per quintal in Orai.

Due to the impact of a broad-based market decline and persistently sluggish demand, a softening of ₹50 per quintal was recorded in the prices of Bihar Masoor (Red Lentils) this week. Following this decline, prices at the weekend settled at ₹6,750 per quintal in Barh, ₹6,650 in Khusrupur, and ₹6,750 in Mokama. Meanwhile, no significant upward or downward movement was observed in the prices of Raipur Masoor this week, and rates remained steady at ₹6,400 per quintal at the close of the week.

Influenced by the decline in raw Masoor prices and weakening demand, a drop of ₹50–100 per quintal was witnessed in Masoor Dal prices during the current week. By the weekend, prices stood at ₹7,400–7,500 per quintal in Indore; ₹7,550–7,850 in Barh; ₹7,450–7,750 in Khusrupur; ₹7,550–7,850 in Mokama; ₹8,500 in Chandausi; and ₹7,750 in Hyderabad.