Expansion of Cultivation

Indian farmers, especially in Karnataka and Maharashtra, have significantly expanded pigeon pea (tur/arhar) cultivation. By early August, the total area under pigeon pea increased by 26%, reaching 4.189 million hectares, compared to 3.327  million hectares during the same period last year. This expansion is part of an overall 11% increase in pulses acreage.

Karnataka leads in pigeon pea cultivation, exceeding its target of 1.52  million hectares. The acreage in Karnataka surged by 69% to 1.529  million hectares, up from 0.905  million hectares last year.

Factors Influencing Expansion

The timely arrival of the monsoon and higher market prices before the planting season have attracted farmers to pigeon pea cultivation. This crop is primarily rain-fed. Basavaraj Ingin, President of the Karnataka Pradesh Red Gram Growers Association. He noted that the crop condition appears better than last year. "Rains have been good so far, and a recent break has allowed farmers to undertake weeding and nutrient application," Ingin said.

The Indian government announced a minimum support price of $0,91 per kg for pigeon pea for the 2024-25 kharif season, an increase of $0,066 per kg from the previous year. In Karnataka and Maharashtra, the modal price of pigeon pea in market is around $1,27 per kg.

Impact of Last Year's Shortfall and Current Crop Conditions

Pigeon pea prices have remained elevated this year due to last year's crop being affected by erratic rainfall and wilt disease. This shortfall led the government to allow duty-free imports of pigeon pea and urad till March 31, 2025.Chandrashekar Arasur of Sri Neelakantha Kaleshwar Farmer Producer Company reported that the current crop in Kalaburgi district looks promising. Farmers have expanded their cultivation area. Raju Teggelli, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Kalaburgi. He confirmed that pigeon pea, urad, and green gram crops are currently in good condition.

In Maharashtra, pigeon pea acreage has increased by 16% to 1.20 million hectares. Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh have seen slight increases in pigeon pea area. While Madhya Pradesh and Telangana have seen marginal declines.Rahul Chauhan of iGrain India observed that pigeon pea growing areas in Maharashtra have received ample rainfall. The crop conditions are satisfactory. However, prices have begun to ease from their peak levels due to reduced demand, increased sowing, and expected imports from Mozambique. The new crop in Mozambique will start in September. Imported pigeon pea (lemon) in Chennai is currently quoted at $1,27 per kg, down from $1,36 per kg in early July.

The expansion of pigeon pea cultivation in Karnataka and Maharashtra, driven by favorable weather and market conditions, has led to increased acreage and promising crop prospects. Despite the challenges faced last year, the current season looks optimistic. Steady prices and sufficient supply are expected.