India’s lentil production is poised for crop growth from July 2023 to June 2024. Despite a slight dip in acreage until mid-December compared to the previous year, favorable weather conditions in key producing states like Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are expected to boost Masur (lentils) yields. The India Pulse and Grains Association (IPGA) forecasts an increase in production, projecting a crop of 1.65-1.7 million tonnes, surpassing last year’s 1.55 million tonnes. The critical period for plant growth and yield potential lies in the December-January crop cycle, contingent on soil moisture availability.
Sowing Seeds of Growth – Anticipating a Hearty Lentil Harvest
Experts expressed optimism during the Rabi Outlook webinar, citing favorable crop conditions in most growing areas. Lentil yields are expected to increase by 5-10%, projecting a crop of approximately 1.65-1.7 million tonnes. The Agriculture Ministry data reveals that lentil sowing covered 1.675 million hectares as of December 15, slightly lower than the previous year’s 1.684 million hectares. The anticipated acreage for the current year is 1.85-1.9 million hectares, similar to the last year. Higher prices and a 10% increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) have encouraged farmers to plant more lentils.
Government’s Role in Lentil Market
Having procured nearly half a million tonnes of lentils from the trade, the government currently holds 650,000-ton stocks. With 3.5 months until harvest, the Government’s influence on the lentil market remains substantial. The favorable crop conditions project a production of over 1.4 million tonnes. As per market experts, Lentil imports exceeded a million tonnes, and last year’s robust crop contributed to a stable market.
Balancing the Scales Of Lentil Imports and Consumption Patterns
The lentil imports surpassed a million tonnes this year. Monthly consumption is about 0.2 million tonnes, indicating a comfortable supply situation. However, market movements may see fluctuations as the Government’s role, lentil prices, and international factors play into the equation. Experts emphasize the need to observe price movements in the 3.5 months leading up to harvest to gauge the overall market trajectory.
India anticipates a prosperous lentil harvest from July 2023 to June 2024, with favorable weather offsetting a minor acreage dip until mid-December. The India Pulse and Grains Association (IPGA) projects lentil production at 1.65-1.7 million tonnes, surpassing last year’s 1.55 million tonnes. The critical growth period is December-January, contingent on soil moisture. Experts foresee a 5-10% yield increase, reflecting a robust 1.65-1.7 million-tonne crop. Despite slightly lower sowing hectares, higher prices and a 10% Minimum Support Price hike stimulate planting. The government’s role looms with 650,000-ton stocks, impacting a market poised for stability amid 1 million tonnes of imports.