Tur Dal Prices Crash Below MSP as Imports Surge, Farmers Cut Back on Sowing

📉 Surge in Tur Dal Imports Pushes Prices Below Support Level, Worries Farmers

Prices of tur dal (pigeon pea) have dropped sharply across India, falling below the government’s Minimum Support Price (MSP), due to a large jump in duty-free imports and a strong domestic harvest. This price fall has raised concerns among farmers and could impact future crop decisions.

📦 Why Are Prices Falling?

Between April and June 2025 (the first two months of FY26), India imported nearly 1.8 lakh tonnes of tur dal — a 54% increase compared to the same period last year. These imports mainly came from Myanmar, Mozambique, and Tanzania, where prices are lower.

At the same time, Indian farmers also produced a good crop. The result? Too much supply in the market.

As of late July, mandi prices of tur have slipped to ₹6,500 per quintal, which is ₹1,050 below the MSP of ₹7,550. This means farmers are selling at a loss, despite the government’s price guarantee.

🏛 What Is the Government Doing?

To protect farmers, agencies like Nafed and NCCF stepped in to buy tur directly from farmers. So far, they have purchased over 6 lakh tonnes, which is the highest level of procurement since 2017–18.

However, this has not stopped prices from falling.

🌾 Farmers Changing Plans

Due to the low prices, many farmers are losing interest in growing tur. Reports show that the area under tur cultivation has already dropped by over 5% this season. Instead, farmers are switching to other crops like oilseeds, which are currently more profitable.

📊 The Bigger Picture

• Retail prices of tur dal have also fallen by nearly 29% compared to last year, making it cheaper for consumers — but tough on producers.
• Experts warn that falling prices today may cause a shortage later, if farmers grow less next year.

🔍 Summary:

• Imports of tur dal have increased 54%, pushing prices below MSP.
• Farmers are selling at losses, even after record government purchases.
• Tur sowing has declined, raising concerns about long-term food security