News Capsule: Weak Monsoon Threatens Urad Output: What Could Be the Impact on Prices?
14-Apr-2026 11:32 AM
News Capsule: Weak Monsoon Threatens Urad Output: What Could Be the Impact on Prices?
★ The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a weaker-than-normal southwest monsoon for 2026. If this prediction proves accurate, it would mark the weakest monsoon since 2015.
★ A weak monsoon may adversely affect kharif pulse crops, including urad, one of India’s major pulse crops grown mainly during the kharif season. Although urad requires relatively less water compared to many other crops, adequate soil moisture is essential during the germination stage. If moisture levels are insufficient, germination may be affected, directly reducing crop yields.
★ Last season, lower urad production forced India to increase imports to meet domestic demand. Reduced local availability led to higher dependence on imported supplies. If production declines further this year due to weak rainfall, import requirements may rise even more.
★ Imports from Myanmar and Brazil are expected to increase, but if domestic output is severely affected, even higher imports may not be enough to meet total consumption demand.
★ If weather agencies’ weak monsoon forecasts come true, prices of urad as well as other pulses may rise significantly. This could increase inflationary pressure on consumers, while farmers may benefit from stronger market prices.