Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Rising Pulses Prices In India

If you’ve recently gone grocery shopping, you may have noticed that the price of pulses such as arhar, urad, and moong, has skyrocketed in 2023. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why the price is rising, how is it impacting the Indian agriculture sector and what the government is doing to address the issue.

Inflation of Pulses

According to data from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, in January 2023 toor dal price (1kg) in Delhi was Rs 105-110 but has now increased to Rs 128 and urad dal price (1kg) in Delhi was Rs 118 but now, it is Rs 123. In addition to that, moong dal price (1kg) has also seen an increase from Rs 103 to Rs 112.

Why Is The Price Rising?

The main reason for the rise in pulse prices is the hoarding by importers. Companies importing pulses from Myanmar have hoarded 1.50 lakh tons of pigeon pea and about 2 lakh tons of urad, which has caused a shortage of supply in the domestic market. These importers plan to import the stock at higher prices and sell it at a profit.

Market Outlook

To control the rising prices, the government can sell arhar, urad, and moong from its pool in the open market. The government can also sell stock through Kendriya Bhandar and NAFED. Authorities have also started stock verification at processing units in major production hubs in Maharashtra to prevent hoarding.

OFB’s Insight

The rise in pulse prices is affecting everyone, from the middle class to the poor. Pulses are a significant source of protein and a vital food item for many households. The government’s efforts to control the rising prices through stock verification and selling in the open market can help alleviate the problem of the Indian agriculture sector. However, it is essential to address the root cause of hoarding and prevent it from happening in the future. Additionally, initiatives like increasing farmer registration can help support farmers and ensure that they receive fair prices for their produce.

Read More: Is Falling Masoor Price In India A Warning Sign For The Future?

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