Buffer stocks, imports to keep pulse prices steady

Prices of pulses are expected to remain stable until December despite concerns over below-normal rainfall and delays in kharif sowing, with ample government buffer stocks and higher output in key exporting countries likely to keep supplies comfortable, industry experts said.

Weak demand since March has also kept prices subdued, according to processors, traders and importers.

"While prices of most domestically grown pulses are still ruling below the minimum support price (MSP), production has been good across key import origins such as Africa, Myanmar and Brazil, ensuring adequate supplies for India," said Bimal Kothari, president of the Indian Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA). He added that the Centre also has comfortable buffer stocks.


India's total pulses imports fell 17% to 6 million tonnes in FY26.

India depends on Africa and Myanmar for tur imports, and on Myanmar and Brazil for urad. During FY26, the country imported over 1.48 million tonnes of tur, including more than 1.11 million tonnes from Africa. Of the 781,000 tonnes of urad imported, about 540,000 tonnes came from Myanmar.

Trade experts said robust government stocks would help ensure adequate supplies through December. To support farmers, the Centre had assured 100% procurement of tur, urad and masoor, boosting buffer stocks. The government currently holds about 4.3 million tonnes of pulses from last year's kharif and rabi crops, nearly double the level a year ago. Last month, it also announced procurement of summer moong and urad from Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Haryana.