This rise in prices is also being witnessed in other pulses such as black gram and chickpeas as domestic production is expected to fall and a falling rupee is seen pushing up import costs. Pigeon pea ( arhar ) prices are moving towards their 2023-24 highs, when retail prices crossed ₹ 200 per kg, as adverse weather, lower supplies and rising import costs push up prices, according to a report by the India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA).
Wholesale pigeon pea prices rose sharply in the last week. The latest rally comes amid concerns over the kharif pigeon pea crop in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, where adverse weather and dry conditions have affected crop prospects. Prices in the key market of Akola, Maharashtra were ₹ 108-108.25 per kg. In Gulbarga region of Karnataka, they reached ₹ 103-113 per kg. Prices in these markets rose by ₹ 17-19 per kg over the past month in some cases, according to the IPGA data.
Pressure may rise in coming months as the next crop outlook remains uncertain. In Maharashtra and Karnataka, low soil moisture and deficient rainfall could affect chickpea sowing.
