Target of Procuring 13.22 Lakh Tonnes of Tur Unlikely to Be Met
01-May-2025 10:51 AM
New Delhi. Despite the Central Government’s approval to procure 13.22 lakh tonnes of Arhar (Tur) from nine major producing states including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana, it appears increasingly difficult to achieve this target. As per the latest data, only 3.92 lakh tonnes had been procured for the central buffer stock as of April 22, 2025.
The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for tur for the 2024-25 Kharif season has been fixed at Rs 7,550 per quintal. Typically, the January to April window marks the peak arrival season for tur in most key producing states. Post this period, arrivals in wholesale markets tend to taper off.
While the government has extended the deadline for duty-free imports of tur until March 31, 2026, and production has improved in Myanmar, a major supplier, export prices from Myanmar have been fluctuating in response to changes in Indian market rates.
Meanwhile, African countries such as Mozambique and Malawi have limited exportable surplus stock, and their new crop is not expected until August.
In India, arrivals of tur are ongoing in Karnataka and Maharashtra, but the overall pulses market remains sluggish and soft, which may offer an opportunity for government agencies to ramp up procurement.
Despite a rise in domestic production this year compared to last year, the resulting downward pressure on prices may ease once the peak supply period ends. Observers are keeping a close watch on market fluctuations in the months ahead.
The central government has reaffirmed its commitment to procuring 100% of the target quantity for tur, urad, and masoor, though current purchases are being conducted under the Price Support Scheme (PSS).
If procurement continues to lag, the government may consider switching to purchases under the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) at prevailing market rates to bolster buffer stocks.
In Andhra Pradesh, the deadline for tur procurement has already been extended until May 22.