Mumbai: A downward trend was observed in the Masoor market during the current week. Prices remained under pressure due to weak demand and increased selling by importers; however, limited arrivals and the high cost of imports are bolstering the prospects of a future price rally. In the key producing regions of Madhya Pradesh, the arrival of the new Masoor crop has been lower than normal this season. Crop production has been adversely affected by inclement weather, resulting in relatively limited availability of stock in the *mandis* (wholesale markets). Typically, the arrival of the new crop exerts downward pressure on the market; however, this trend is not evident this time around. Prices for Masoor also remain elevated in the international market. In particular, imports from Canada have become more expensive—primarily due to the depreciation of the Rupee against the US Dollar. This has driven up import costs, a factor that could potentially lend support to the domestic market in the near future. Currently, market conditions remain subdued. Buying activity among stockists and pulse millers is sluggish, indicating a weak demand side. Anticipating the arrival of the domestic crop, importers have ramped up their selling, creating additional downward pressure on prices due to the resulting increase in supply. Driven by increased selling by importers and waning demand, the prices of imported Masoor witnessed a decline of ₹50 per quintal this week. Consequently, the prevailing rates settled at ₹5,900 per quintal for Canadian Masoor at Mundra, ₹5,950 at Hazira, ₹6,150 for Containerized Canadian Masoor, and ₹6,150 for Australian Masoor. Market experts opine that as demand gradually recovers, Masoor prices are likely to witness a gradual firming up. Delhi

Due to increased selling by stockists and weakening buying interest, a decline of ₹100 per quintal in large Masur (red lentils) and ₹200 per quintal in small Masur was observed in Delhi during the current week. Consequently, by the weekend, prices settled at ₹7,600 per quintal for small Kota, ₹8,600 for Bundi, ₹8,700 for Uttar Pradesh origin, and ₹6,675–₹6,700 for large Desi varieties.

With increased availability in producing markets and subdued buying activity, a decline of ₹100 per quintal was recorded in Madhya Pradesh Masur prices this week. Following this decline, prices at the weekend stood at ₹5,800–₹6,200 in Ashoknagar, ₹6,100–₹6,300 in Bina, ₹6,000–₹6,300 in Ganj Basoda, ₹6,200–₹6,400 in Sagar, ₹5,800–₹6,700 in Damoh, ₹6,100 in Indore, ₹6,706 in Kareli, and ₹6,650 per quintal in Katni.

Due to sluggish demand, a decline of ₹150 per quintal in small Masur and ₹100 per quintal in large Masur was recorded in Uttar Pradesh during the current week. By the weekend, prices settled at ₹10,000 per quintal for small Masur in Bareilly (with the bold variety at ₹6,650–₹6,700); ₹6,000–₹6,150 for the bold variety in Lalitpur (with the small variety at ₹9,000–₹9,600); and ₹6,000–₹6,260 per quintal in Orai.

Influenced by a broad-based market downturn and persistently weak buying interest, a decline of ₹100 per quintal was observed in Bihar Masur prices this week. By the weekend, prices settled at ₹6,700 per quintal in Barh, ₹6,600 in Khusrupur, and ₹6,700 in Mokama. Similarly, a decline of ₹50 per quintal was observed in Raipur Masoor prices this week, with rates settling at ₹6,250 per quintal by the end of the week.

Influenced by the decline in Masoor prices and weakening demand, Masoor Dal prices witnessed a drop of ₹100–₹200 per quintal during the current week. By the weekend, prices stood at ₹7,400–₹7,500 in Indore; ₹7,600–₹7,900 in Barh; ₹7,500–₹7,800 in Khusrupur; ₹7,600–₹7,900 in Mokama; ₹9,000 in Chandausi; and ₹7,750 per quintal in Hyderabad.