- Chana and moong lead recent gains amid limited domestic availability
- October imports and government stock operations remain key price drivers
India’s pulses market remained firm despite the absence of strong domestic demand, with limited availability, festive buying and government activity supporting prices. Major pulses gained around 3-5% last week, while chana and moong rose around 11% and 10.6%, respectively, over the past month. Market participants are now focusing on October import arrivals, government procurement and sales, festive demand and weather conditions for further direction.
Chana, tur remain supported
Chana prices rose by INR 25-50 on 29 September and have gained around 11% over the past month. Continued government buying and selling is supporting sentiment, while stronger festive demand could increase the possibility of further government intervention. Government pulse buffer stocks are estimated at around 4.5 mnt, providing an additional supply source if stocks are released into the market.
Tur prices also increased by INR 25-50 on 29 September. African supplies continue to arrive, while another shipment from Myanmar is expected in early October. Rising domestic availability could limit further gains, although festive demand and government activity may provide support.
Urad’s recent rally has paused, but prices remain firm. Brazilian arrivals are continuing and fresh Myanmar supplies are expected in early October. Rainfall has affected domestic arrivals, which could provide support at lower price levels.
Moong has gained around 10.6% over the past month, with new arrivals continuing in Rajasthan. Government selling across qualities and rainfall-related quality concerns are keeping the market focused on arrivals and crop condition.
Imports and weather shape supply
India’s pulse imports rose 62% year on year to 1.7 mnt during April-July FY27. Supplies from Africa and Myanmar will remain important for tur and urad, while masur imports could reach around 1.6 mnt. Actual October arrivals will therefore be closely watched for their impact on domestic availability.
Australia exported 92,168 t of chana and 175,358 t of masur in July. Availability from Australia and Canada, along with global chana supplies, could influence prices in the coming months.
The 2026 monsoon ended around 12% below the long-period average, with uneven rainfall raising concerns over crop development and quality. Rabi pulse sowing and crop development will therefore remain important, particularly as the government seeks to encourage pulses and oilseeds on land left vacant after paddy.
Policy and global supply remain in focus
Masur and peas remain broadly stable, with comfortable global availability limiting upside despite restricted nearby masur supplies. Kabuli chana has improved on stronger demand, although higher new-crop arrivals could create supply pressure.
No major import-policy change is currently expected, but government announcements during the first half of October could influence sentiment. Procurement, buffer releases and government sales could increase volatility during the festive period.
The government has also reiterated its commitment to 100% procurement of tur, urad and masur at MSP, with payments targeted within 48 hours.
Government retail prices on September 29 were INR 88.94/kg for chana dal, INR 125.95/kg for tur dal, INR 123.23/kg for urad dal, INR 112.35/kg for moong dal and INR 90.57/kg for masur dal.
Outlook
The pulses market is likely to remain firm but cautious as October approaches. Import arrivals, government activity, festive demand and new-crop arrivals will determine near-term price direction. Chana and tur may remain supported by government activity, while urad could stay firm despite higher imports. In moong, arrivals and crop quality will be critical, while global availability could limit gains in masur and peas.
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