Delayed arrivals and slow import pace boost pigeon pea prices
24-Jan-2026 01:08 PM
Kalaburagi: Pigeon pea prices have risen slightly due to the slower pace of imports from abroad, delays in the arrival of the domestic crop, and the weakening of the rupee.
The depreciation of the rupee is making pigeon pea imports more expensive. In the major markets of top producing states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana, the price of new pigeon peas increased by Rs. 125 to 250 per quintal,
and the price of old pigeon peas increased by Rs. 100-200 per quintal in the last few days. The price of imported pigeon peas also improved by Rs. 50-100.
According to official data, the average wholesale market price of pigeon peas at the all-India level was recorded at Rs. 7003 per quintal on December 31, 2025, which increased to Rs. 7283 per quintal on January 21, 2026, but still remained significantly below the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs. 8000 per quintal. Government procurement of pigeon peas has either started or is about to begin in the major producing states. This may have some impact on prices.
According to the leading trade body, the India Pulses and Grains Association, a total of 10,54,969 tonnes of pigeon peas were imported into the country during January-November 2025, which was about 8 percent less than the 11,43,143 tonnes imported during the same months of 2024.
This time, pigeon pea production in African countries was less than expected, and production is also likely to decrease in Myanmar.
According to trade analysts, the arrival of pigeon peas in domestic markets is less than expected, which indicates that producers are holding back their stocks.
The cold weather is also contributing to lower arrivals in the markets. The trade pipeline is largely empty.
Anticipating the arrival of the new crop, traders and millers had cleared their existing stocks. Most of the consignment from African countries has already arrived in India, and imports of new pigeon peas from Myanmar are expected to pick up pace from February-March onwards.
The Central Agriculture Ministry has estimated that domestic production of pigeon peas will decrease from 36.24 lakh tonnes in the 2024-25 season to 35.97 lakh tonnes in 2025-26.