Price Trends of Tur and Urad Pulses in India
Overview
In recent months, the prices of tur and urad pulses in major Indian markets have decreased by about 10%, according to Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs. However, this decline has not been reflected in retail prices.
Current Market Situation
While the wholesale prices of chana have also dropped recently, retail prices continue to rise. Secretary Khare discussed these trends with the Retailers Association of India and major retail chains, especially as the festival season increases pulse consumption.
Reasons for Price Trends
The decline in mandi prices is attributed to improved availability and a larger sown area for kharif pulses this year. However, the gap between wholesale and retail prices suggests that retailers may be taking larger margins.
Future Measures
The Department of Consumer Affairs is monitoring these trends and may take action if the price differences widen further.
Pulse Availability and Imports
Kharif urad and moong are now entering the markets, and imports of tur and urad from East Africa and Myanmar are helping to boost domestic supply. Despite being a major producer, India relies on imports from countries like Myanmar, Australia, and Canada to meet its demand for pulses such as chana, masur, urad, kabuli chana, and tur.
Doubts Revealed
Tur and Urad Pulses -: Tur and Urad are types of lentils commonly used in Indian cooking. They are important sources of protein in the Indian diet.
Nidhi Khare -: Nidhi Khare is an official in the Indian government, specifically the Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs. She helps oversee consumer-related issues in India.
Department of Consumer Affairs -: This is a part of the Indian government that looks after the interests of consumers. They make sure that people are treated fairly when they buy goods and services.
Retail Prices -: Retail prices are the prices that consumers pay when they buy goods from shops or markets. These prices can be different from wholesale prices, which are what shops pay to get the goods.
Wholesale Markets -: Wholesale markets are places where goods are sold in large quantities at lower prices, usually to retailers who then sell them to consumers at higher prices.
Intervene -: To intervene means to get involved in a situation to change what is happening. In this context, it means the government might take action to control or influence the prices of pulses.
Imports -: Imports are goods brought into a country from abroad for sale. India imports pulses from other countries to meet the demand that local production cannot fulfill.
Myanmar and Australia -: Myanmar and Australia are countries from which India imports pulses. They are known for producing large quantities of lentils and other pulses.
