Home / Business and Economy / Pulse Prices Drop Below Support Levels
Pulse Prices Drop Below Support Levels
23 Mar
Summary
- Gram and lentil prices have fallen below their minimum support prices.
- Improved arrivals and weak demand are driving down pulse prices.
- Government procurement at MSP is expected to stabilize prices.
Prices for essential rabi pulses, including gram (chana) and lentils (masur), have continued to decline, falling below their respective Minimum Support Prices (MSP). As of the week ending March 21, 2026, wholesale mandi prices for chana were ₹5042.55 per quintal, down from ₹5147.31 the previous week, while lentils dropped to ₹5797.57 from ₹7245.51. The MSP for chana is ₹5875, and for lentils it is ₹7000.
Trade experts suggest that government procurement at MSP is beginning to support chana prices, preventing further significant drops. The ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and a weakening rupee have also increased the landed costs of imported pulses, contributing to price stability. Lentil procurement has also commenced, with steady increases in arrivals.
Despite a slight dip in imports during April-January of the current fiscal year, overall supply remains comfortable, with an estimated 6.44 lakh tonnes of chana imported by the end of March. Gram production is projected to reach 117.92 lakh tonnes, an increase from the previous year, and lentil production is expected to rise to 17.33 lakh tonnes. However, some reports indicate smaller grain sizes and minor discolouration in the chana crop due to unseasonal rains and higher temperatures.
