Cheaper imports and weak demand are seen weighing on tur (arhar) prices as the new crop has started arriving in key producing states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. On Wednesday, the Agriculture Ministry has approved the purchase of 9.67 lakh tonnes at minimum support price (MSP) under the price support scheme (PSS) in Karnataka for the 2025-26 season.
Prices of the new tur crop are ruling in the range of ₹6,700-7,700 per quintal in these States — below the minimum support price (MSP) level of ₹8,000.
Based on the proposal received from the Govt of Karnataka for implementation of PSS for procurement of tur in the state during 2025-26 season, the Agriculture Ministry has approved the procurement of 9.67 lakh tonnes for a period of 90 days from the date of commencement of procurement.
“Arrivals of the new crop has started in parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra and would gain pace in the coming weeks. The crop is seen less this year and there are quality issues due to the impact of rains. The prices are seen bearish and early start to the procurement process may lend some support to the prices,” said Rahul Chauhan, of IGrain India.
Per the first advance estimates released by the Agriculture Ministry recently, the production of tur during 2025-26 is projected at 35.97 lakh tonnes, marginally lower than than last year’s 36.24 lakh tonnes.
Pongal demand from South
Nitin Kalantri of Kalantri Food Products in Latur said the demand remains weak. Some demand for tur should come from the South around December 20-25, ahead of the Pongal festival season, while imports from Africa continue to weigh on prices, he said adding that the standing crop looks good in Vidarbha and Marathawada and also in parts of Karnataka.
The prices of imported African tur range between ₹4,900 and ₹5,500, depending on quality, while the new domestic crop is quoted at around ₹6,700-7,700. However, these prices are significantly lower than last year’s levels of about ₹10,000, which farmers were receiving around this time.
Kalantri said the imports from Africa and Myanmar coupled with domestic stocks should keep a check on prices. Imports from Africa are expected to be around 8 lakh tonnes and another 3-4 lakh tonnes from Myanmar.
The expected tur imports during April-September period this year were around 3.97 lakh tonnes compared to 5.53 lakh tonnes in the corresponding period last year, as per IGrain India. During FY24-25, India imported around 12.23 lakh tonnes of tur. Presently, the imports of tur are allowed duty free till March 31, 2026.
Rain Impact
Basavaraj Ingin, President of Karnataka Pradesh Redgram Growers Association, said the excess rains had damaged the crop in most parts of Kalaburgi impacting the quality of the grain. Also, the adverse climate in the recent weeks had impacted the flowering this year, he added.
Trade sources said the crop has started coming from neighbouring districts like Vijayapura, Bagalkote, Yadgir and Bidar among others. The pulses trade, which has seen capital erosion in the past couple of years, is not keen on replenishing the stocks due to the ample availability, a trend which could weigh on the prices.
Published on December 11, 2025
