Softness in Pulse Prices Due to Increased Supply

24-Mar-2026 10:26 AM

Mumbai. The supply of new stock from the Rabi pulse crops—particularly Gram (Chana) and Lentils (Masoor)—currently outstrips the relative demand. Consequently, a softening trend is being observed in the prices of both Gram and Lentils. However, since government procurement of Gram has already commenced, prices are expected to experience only limited fluctuations in the near future.

According to official data, the average wholesale market price for Gram at the all-India level was recorded at ₹5,042.55 per quintal during the week ending March 21; this figure stood at ₹5,147.31 per quintal in the preceding week. For the current season, the government has fixed the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Gram at ₹5,875 per quintal.

Similarly, during the week under review, the average wholesale market price for Lentils declined from ₹7,245.51 per quintal to ₹6,778.37 per quintal. It is pertinent to note that the Minimum Support Price for Lentils has been fixed at ₹7,000 per quintal. These statistics indicate that the wholesale market prices for both Gram and Lentils have fallen below their respective Minimum Support Prices.

The government has initiated the procurement of Rabi pulses at the MSP, a move that is expected to provide some support to their prices. Trade analysts believe that pulse prices are unlikely to witness any further significant decline and that the market is likely to remain stable for some time.

Rahul Chauhan, Director at iGrain India, states that rising shipping costs and the depreciation of the Rupee have made pulse imports more expensive; furthermore, government agencies have intensified their procurement efforts. Consequently, the likelihood of any downward pressure on the market is considered to be very low.