The Kharif season brought growth in sowing for pulses like tur (tuvar) and moong, but black lentil production is set to drop significantly. The Union Agriculture Ministry’s first advance estimates for the 2024–25 Kharif season project total Kharif pulse production at 6.954 million tonnes, down by 20,000 tonnes from last year.

Black Lentil Production Declines Sharply

Adverse weather conditions, including heavy rains and flooding in key states like Madhya Pradesh, have severely impacted black lentil crops. This year, black lentil production is expected to drop by 25%, reaching only 1.209 million tonnes, compared to 1.604 million tonnes last season. This marks the lowest production level in a decade. Despite the decline, analysts believe stable domestic supplies and imports from Myanmar will keep prices steady, reducing the likelihood of major price hikes.

Other Pulses Show Positive Growth

While black lentils struggle, other pulses show promise. Tur production is expected to rise by 0.085 million tonnes, reaching 3.502 million tonnes, compared to 3.417 million tonnes last year. Moong production is forecast to grow by 0.229 million tonnes, reaching 1.383 million tonnes. Other pulses may also see an increase of 0.061 million tonnes, bringing their total to 0.860 million tonnes.

Black Lentil Quality and Yield Challenges

Heavy rains have not only reduced black lentil yields but also impacted crop quality. Trade experts note that demand for black lentils remains low, which, combined with steady imports, should stabilize prices. An analyst pointed out that the ongoing harvest and consistent supply will help prevent price surges through the year.

Tur and Moong Show Positive Trends

Rain damage in Karnataka and Maharashtra led to a revision of tur production estimates, bringing them down from an optimistic 4.4–4.5 million tonnes to 3.502 million tonnes. Despite this adjustment, industry insiders expect strong yields in these states. Similarly, favorable conditions in many regions have boosted moong production, which continues to rise.

Conclusion

The final production estimates may vary as more data becomes available. For now, while black lentil production faces its lowest level in a decade, favorable production of other pulses like tur and moong offers some balance in the domestic market. Prices for black lentils are expected to remain stable in the near term, given the steady influx of new crops and ongoing imports.





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