The prices of pulses can shoot up by 10-15 per cent in the run up to the festival season, according to an Associated Chambers of Commerce of India (Assocham) study released here on Friday.

The trade body estimates that India will import over 10 million tonnes (mt) of pulses since domestic production is likely to be limited to around 17 mt on the back of a poor monsoon which will affect yields in various producing States.

“…with festivals like Diwali around the corner, the demand for pulses would further shoot up and prices may be looking up further by at least 10-15 per cent. As it is, pulses are selling at ₹90-150 a kg with prices varying in different States,” it said.

Assocham estimates put annual domestic demand for pulses at 27.1 mt. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh account for 70 per cent of pulses output.

The major pulses grown are gram, a Rabi pulse which contributes to 41 per cent of the total pulses produced in India, and arhar which contributes to 16 per cent of output. Urad, moong and masur are the other important pulses grown in the country.

Average retail price of arhar (tur) in New Delhi as on Thursday was ₹132/kg – up 65 per cent from ₹80a year ago. Urad was selling at ₹110 (₹ 81).

Moong (₹99), masur (₹96) and gram (₹67) are all higher than during the corresponding period last year.

In 2013-14, pulses worth $1.9 billion were imported which increased to $2.6 billion last year. This year, $0.66 billion of imports have already been undertaken, the study estimates. The imports were mainly from Myanmar, Canada, Australia and east African nations such as Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania.

“India’s large dependence on imports, higher prices and declining per capital availability and consumption of pulses has been matter of concern,” said DS Rawat, Secretary-General, Assocham.

“The government must prepare an implementable action plan to incentivise farmers to cultivate more pulses in the Rabi season by providing seeds and technical support,” he added.

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