Weekly Review – Gram (Chana)

New Delhi: Gram prices witnessed a sharp rise this week, driven by strong demand from pulse mills and limited selling pressure. Arrivals in producing markets remain restricted, and with inadequate availability at ports, there is no immediate supply pressure on the market. Demand for *chana dal* (split gram) and *besan* (gram flour) remains robust due to the festive season, consistently supporting buying activity by pulse mills. Additionally, the market sentiment has been further bolstered by NAFED approving gram tenders at higher price points. Demand for *chana dal* and *besan* is expected to remain strong until Diwali, given the peak consumption season. Meanwhile, most pulse mills reportedly hold limited remaining stocks of gram; consequently, millers may need to increase purchases from the open market to meet their requirements. Alongside the depletion of stocks, concerns persist regarding gram sowing for the upcoming Rabi season. The market is closely monitoring the potential impact of weak monsoon rainfall on sowing acreage and overall production. Overall, the gram market is finding support from limited availability, sluggish selling, strong milling demand, and NAFED's high tender prices. With consumption of *chana dal* and *besan* likely to remain strong through Diwali, market demand is expected to stay supportive in the near term. Driven by robust buying from pulse millers, Delhi gram prices surged by ₹300 per quintal this week; prices reached ₹7,025–7,050 per quintal for the Madhya Pradesh variety and ₹7,075–7,100 per quintal for the Rajasthan variety.

The market for imported gram saw an upward trend this week, driven by reduced selling pressure and increased buying activity among importers. Driven by sustained buying interest, prices of imported gram rose by ₹250–300 per quintal by the weekend; rates stood at ₹6,800–6,850 per quintal for Tanzanian gram at Mumbai port, ₹7,000–7,050 for Australian gram at Nhava Sheva port, and ₹6,950 per quintal for imported gram at Mundra port.

Supported by strong demand and limited selling, gram prices in Rajasthan saw a sharp rise of ₹250–450 per quintal this week. By the weekend, prices reached ₹5,600–6,500 in Jodhpur, ₹7,125 in Jaipur, ₹6,200–6,600 in Bikaner, ₹6,300–6,600 in Kishangarh, and ₹5,900–6,400 per quintal in Kota.

Due to low availability in producing markets and increased demand from pulse millers, gram prices in Maharashtra recorded a significant rise of ₹300–350 per quintal during the week. By the weekend, prices stood at ₹6,500–7,500 in Solapur, ₹7,200–7,250 in Latur, ₹7,350 in Akola, ₹7,325–7,350 in Nagpur, and ₹6,600–6,800 per quintal in Ahmednagar.

Driven by sustained demand, gram prices in Madhya Pradesh rose by ₹250–350 per quintal this week. By the weekend, prices stood at ₹6,300–6,700 in Ashoknagar, ₹6,000–6,400 in Ganjbasoda, ₹6,200–6,600 in Sagar, ₹6,950–7,000 in Katni, and ₹7,050–7,250 per quintal in Indore.

Supported by a broad-based uptrend and increased buying, gram prices in Kanpur rose by ₹300 per quintal this week, reaching ₹7,075–7,100 per quintal by the weekend. Similarly, gram prices in Raipur increased by ₹400 per quintal, settling at ₹6,950–7,250 per quintal by the weekend.

Due to persistent demand, Chana Dal prices recorded an increase of ₹300–500 per quintal during the week. By the weekend, prices were ₹8,200–8,525 in Delhi, ₹8,550–8,700 in Bhatapara, ₹8,500 in Katni, ₹8,200–8,400 in Gulbarga, ₹8,750–9,150 in Jalgaon, ₹8,125 in Jaipur, and ₹7,800–7,900 per quintal in Kanpur.