Tur: Past, Present, and Future
10-Jun-2025 12:06 PM
Tur: Past, Present, and Future
Current Situation: Record Production, Yet Weak Prices
★ In the Kharif 2024 season, domestic production of tur reached 3.56 million tonnes as per official estimates, while trade sources estimate it to be around 3.2–3.3 million tonnes.
★ Due to prices ruling below the MSP, the government has procured a record volume of around 0.6 million tonnes — the highest since 2017–18 when procurement stood at 0.887 million tonnes.
★ The tur procured by government agencies may soon be released into the market.
Sharp Price Drop
★ Last season, lower production pushed tur prices above Rs. 10,000/quintal.
★ Now, the same crop is selling for below Rs. 7,000/quintal, causing significant distress to farmers.
Global Supply Pressure
★ Myanmar's production increased from 0.3 million tonnes last year to 0.35 million tonnes this year. It exported 0.313 million tonnes of tur between January and December 2024.
★ From January to May 2025, Myanmar exported 0.153 million tonnes, slightly lower than 0.162 million tonnes during the same period last year.
★ Production in African countries is also expected to rise from 0.8 million tonnes to 0.9–1 million tonnes this year.
Record Imports Add to Surplus
★ In FY 2024–25, India imported a record 1.223 million tonnes of tur, which is 0.452 million tonnes more than the previous year.
★ The result: an abundant supply in the domestic market, keeping mandi prices under pressure.
Farmers Worried, Sowing Uncertain
★ This year, the MSP was increased by Rs. 450 to Rs. 8,000/quintal, but due to prevailing low market prices, an increase in sowing looks unlikely.
★ Farmers and the industry fear that the government may again opt for large-scale imports or open market sales to keep prices under control. In fact, the government has already extended the free import policy for tur till March 31, 2026.
Future Outlook: Will Prices Recover?
★ Currently, demand in retail and wholesale markets is subdued. However, with the monsoon progressing, some demand recovery is expected.
★ The sky-high prices seen in the last 2–3 years are unlikely to return anytime soon.
★ The government, domestic market, and global suppliers — all have sufficient stocks.
★ Still, current prices may be considered close to the bottom, and a gradual recovery in prices could begin from July–August.
★ The government seems determined to avoid any price shocks — even if it comes at the cost of farmers or the industry.
★ The tur situation today is not just a story of production or imports — it reflects the complex dynamics of market forces, trade policy, and the monsoon.