Significant Increase in Tur, Chana, and Urad Prices
The prices of major pulses, including tur, chana, and urad dals, are likely to soften by the end of July, according to Union Consumers Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare. She mentioned that a good monsoon, as forecasted by the weather office, and increased availability of pulses through imports will help bring down prices. On Friday, the all-India retail price of tur was $1,92 per kg, 26.66% higher than last year’s $1,52 per kg. Similarly, retail prices for gram and urad are 17.21% and 13.30% higher, respectively, compared to a year ago.
Government’s Measures and Forecast
The rise in pulse prices has drawn severe criticism from the Opposition. An official source at the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution stated that the prices of agri-horticultural crops are volatile due to “seasonality in production and exposure to adverse weather conditions.” The government is hopeful that a good monsoon and increased imports will stabilize the prices by the end of July.
Volatility in Agricultural Prices
The official explained that the volatility in the prices of agri-horticultural crops is largely due to seasonal production patterns and exposure to adverse weather conditions. The expected good monsoon and increased import activity are anticipated to ease the price pressure on pulses like tur, chana, and urad. The government remains optimistic about price stabilization and increased availability of these essential commodities in the coming months.
The government anticipates a softening of pulse prices by July-end, driven by a good monsoon and increased imports. This should help stabilize the market and ease consumer concerns.