Pigeon pea prices surge as weather woes and costly imports tighten Indian pulse market

Pigeon pea prices in India are climbing toward last year’s peak as bad weather, thin supplies and higher import costs push the market higher. Wholesale rates jumped sharply last week, with Akola in Maharashtra trading at ₹108‑108.25 per kg and Gulbarga in Karnataka at ₹103‑113 per kg. In several markets the price rose by ₹17‑19 per kg over the past month, IPGA data shows. The national average retail price of pigeon pea stood at ₹127.90 per kg on October 11, according to the Department of Consumer Affairs. Similar upward pressure is hitting other pulses. Black gram prices are up because Myanmar supplies are limited, export offers are higher and vessel delays at Chennai port have cut immediate stocks. Imported Myanmar fair‑average‑quality black gram was quoted at ₹101 per kg in Delhi on October 10, up from ₹88.75 a month earlier. Domestic black gram also rose as 60‑70 % of new arrivals are judged poor to average quality. Chickpea prices are edging higher ahead of the rabi sowing season, boosted by trader and mill buying, festival demand for dal and gram flour, and lower arrivals. The kharif pigeon pea crop outlook in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh remains shaky due to dry conditions and low soil moisture, which could later tighten chickpea supplies.

Context

India’s pulse market often reacts sharply to weather‑driven crop gaps and currency moves, because the country relies heavily on both domestic harvests and imports to meet food‑grain demand.