Things said in the Kharif 2024-25 webinar organized by IPGA

16-Nov-2024 08:46 AM

Things said in the Kharif 2024-25 webinar organized by IPGA
The Kharif 2024-25 webinar organized by the Indian Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) provided some insightful updates on the pulse market, particularly focusing on imports and sowing trends.

Impact of Imports on Gram:
The largest impact on pulses was observed in gram due to increased imports.
Imports from Australia have been significant, with an expected 8 lakh tonnes of gram to be imported.
The Australian market's drop in gram prices affected India's domestic prices as well, leading to price declines.
Indian gram prices have been pressured by these imports, despite weak stocks in the private sector and the government's low buffer stock.

Rabi Sowing Delays:
Gram sowing in the rabi season is delayed by at least a month. However, the area sown is expected to match last year’s levels despite the delay.
The sowing rate of gram is particularly low in key producing states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

Pea Imports:
Peas are another major focus, with 30 lakh tonnes of pea imports expected by the end of December 2024.
As of the webinar, 25 lakh tonnes had already been imported, starting in December 2023.

Lentil Market Trends:
The webinar discussed the possibility of a reduction in lentil acreage, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, where farmers may prioritize wheat over lentils this year.
In contrast, Uttar Pradesh may prioritize lentils over peas.
The government has a good stock of lentils, and there is also adequate availability from abroad, despite a 40% decrease in lentil imports compared to last year.
From April to August, 39 lakh tonnes of lentils were imported, down 40% from the previous year.

Overall Market Pressure:
With increased imports across multiple pulse categories, there is likely to be pressure on the prices of almost all pulses.
The webinar noted that stock levels remain weak in the private sector, while government stocks also appear to be limited.
This overview highlights the growing reliance on imports and the delayed sowing of key pulses like gram, with potential challenges in domestic production and pricing for the rabi season. The trends discussed also underscore the complex dynamics shaping India's pulse market, with fluctuating global supply chains and internal production shifts.