Domestic Lentil Trade Sees Support Despite Larger Sown Area

In India, the lentil crop is arriving steadily across Madhya Pradesh, with regions like Mungawali, Ganj Basoda, Sagar, Bhopal, and Binaganj currently harvesting. Uttar Pradesh's crop is expected within 15 days, and Rajasthan’s lentils are also ready. Despite an increase in sowing this year, the impact of unfavourable weather has curbed yields. This, combined with strong global prices, is keeping the market firm.

In Madhya Pradesh markets, thick lentils in loose are being traded at USD 0,67–0,71 per kg, depending on moisture and staining. In Delhi, bill-paid lentils are quoted at USD 0,76–0,76 per kg, slightly down from USD 0,79 per kg last week. Comparatively, Canadian lentils are priced at USD 0,79–0,79 per kg in Delhi, with no sign of slowdown, supported by a recent increase of USD 25–30 per tonne in Canada.

Strong Global Market Limits Price Correction

India’s domestic lentil production is expected to reach 1.65 million tonnes, while total consumption stands around 2.8 million tonnes. This supply gap ensures that import demand remains strong. Lentil stocks at Mundra Port and other key locations have already been sold, and international prices continue to influence the Indian market.

Previously, there was a price gap of USD 0,06 per kg between domestic and imported lentils, but this has now narrowed to USD 0,018 per kg, reducing the scope for any significant price drop in domestic lentils.

Lentil Prices Snapshot

Given the tight global supply and strong consumption demand, Indian Desi lentils may reach USD 0,84 per kg in the near future. The trade remains profitable, and further market direction will depend largely on international pricing and import policy decisions.