★ Government procurement of tur (pigeon pea) has started in several states. With market prices ruling well below the MSP, procurement under official schemes is expected to increase during the current season.

★ In Maharashtra, approval has been given for procurement of 337,000 metric tonnes of tur under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) at the minimum support price. Procurement will be carried out by NAFED and NCCF in coordination with the state government.

★ Procurement has also picked up in Telangana, where purchases of up to 171,000 tonnes are planned. The procurement process will continue until March 26. As market prices remain well below MSP, buying by government agencies could increase further.

★ NAFED already holds a buffer stock of around 450,000 tonnes of tur. In the previous season, the government procured nearly 650,000 tonnes. With prices below MSP this year, procurement volumes may match or even exceed last year’s levels.

★ During discussions at the South Asia Agri Forum Summit 2026, the international outlook for tur was also highlighted. Representatives from Myanmar said prices could improve depending on demand from India, and current levels are being viewed as bottom prices. In 2023–24, global tur prices fell sharply from around $1,500 per tonne to nearly $600 per tonne, translating to a decline from about ₹120 per kg to ₹60 per kg in the Indian market.

★ In Africa, tur production was earlier estimated at 1.3 million tonnes, but actual output came in at only about 0.9 million tonnes, creating a significant gap between expectations and supply. In Myanmar, weather conditions have been unfavourable this year, with production estimated at around 300,000 tonnes and carry-forward stocks of about 50,000 tonnes. Panelists expect Myanmar’s output to be 15–20 percent lower.

★ In India as well, tur production is estimated to be around 20 percent lower this year. Considering weaker production in key origins and rising government procurement, prices are expected to find support and could improve from the current low levels in the coming period.