Chana up on tight arrivals, tur gains on higher demand

Reduced market supplies and procurement trends support pulses, while stable inventories limit movement elsewhere

Chana and tur prices moved higher across key pulse markets on Friday, supported by lower arrivals and improved demand, while masur remained largely steady amid balanced supply-demand conditions, traders said.

 In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, chana prices increased by ₹50 per 100 kg to ₹6,200-₹6,300 per 100 kg.  Traders attributed the rise primarily to a sharp decline in market arrivals. According to local trader Raja Jain, arrivals in larger markets dropped to 200-300 bags compared with the usual 2,000-3,000 bags seen during this period.

Most farmers have already sold their produce to government agencies under the minimum support price (MSP) procurement programme at ₹5,875 per 100 kg. Spot market prices remained below the MSP for much of March and until mid-May, prompting growers to sell to the government. 

Traders also accumulated stocks when prices were lower, while farmers holding remaining stocks are expected to wait until September or October for better prices. 

In Delhi, chana prices also strengthened, rising ₹25 per 100 kg to ₹6,050-₹6,100 per 100 kg.  Tur prices extended gains in Maharashtra and MP on improved demand. In Akola, Maharashtra, tur prices rose ₹100 per 100 kg to ₹8,150-₹8,200 per 100 kg. 

Local trader Ashok Gupta said demand improved marginally, supporting prices despite continued market volatility. He noted that tur prices have witnessed sharp fluctuations in recent weeks, alternating between gains and corrections before settling into a largely range-bound pattern. 

Arrivals remained stable as farmers continued to market their produce at prevailing price levels. In Katni, Madhya Pradesh, tur prices increased by ₹50 per 100 kg to ₹8,250-₹8,350 per 100 kg, according to trade data. 

Meanwhile, masur prices in Indore remained unchanged at ₹6,100-₹6,200 per 100 kg. Traders said weak demand was offset by lower arrivals after extensive government procurement of the rabi crop.

The moti variety of masur in Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh, also held steady at ₹6,000-₹6,500 per 100 kg. 

Market participants expect masur prices to remain range-bound in the near term due to ample domestic availability and sufficient import supplies.