Average prices in Indian agricultural market yards (mandis) for key kharif pulses and oilseeds are falling significantly, currently ranging from ₹1,076-1,778 per quintal below their respective minimum support prices (MSPs) for the 2025-26 season. With the onset of the fresh harvest in certain areas, there are concerns that if depressed prices persist, the government may need to intervene by buying crops at MSPs under its price support scheme.
For instance, moong (green gram) is trading at an average of ₹7,220 per quintal, compared to an MSP of ₹8,768 per quintal. Urad (black gram) is priced at ₹6,368 per quintal, against its MSP of ₹7,800 per quintal, while tur (pigeon peas) is selling at ₹6,222 per quintal compared to an MSP of ₹8,000 per quintal. Groundnut averages ₹5,682 per quintal, less than the MSP of ₹7,263 per quintal. Similarly, soybean is priced at ₹4,252 per quintal, short of its MSP of ₹5,328 per quintal, according to figures compiled by the Agmarknet portal.
Concerns about low prices in pulses and oilseeds, even amid reduced acreage, have arisen as the government has initiated the National Oilseeds Mission and plans to launch the National Pulses Mission. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently noted the declining acreage for these crops, stating that while farmers make decisions based on their circumstances, achieving targeted production does not necessarily require complete fulfillment.
Experts, including techno-legal advisor Vijay Sardana, highlight that sustained low prices throughout the year may continue due to MSPs not aligning with international market rates. The lack of demand driven by low import duties to protect consumer interests appears to incentivize sourcing from international markets.
At the recent Rabi conference, Karnataka’s Agriculture Minister urged Chouhan to initiate procurement for pulses and oilseeds, as current market rates are significantly below MSPs. In contrast, Telangana’s Agriculture Minister requested the removal of restrictions on purchases of these commodities.
The government has yet to release its first advance estimates for kharif crop production for the 2025-26 cycle (July-June), but experts express concern over potential declines in production owing to reduced acreage in tur, moong, moth (a green gram variant), and soybean. Adverse weather conditions, particularly heavy rainfall in parts of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka, have also affected yields.
Agriculture ministry data indicates that as of September 12, tur acreage is down by 45,000 hectares year-on-year, moong by 32,000 hectares, moth by 40,000 hectares, and soybean by 581,000 hectares. Conversely, urad acreage has increased by 151,000 hectares, and groundnut by 34,000 hectares.
Published on September 18, 2025.
