Urad Prices Soften, Rains Enhance Sowing Area Under Kharif

The Department of Consumer Affairs' sustained efforts have led to a reduction in Urad prices. Moreover, the Centre's proactive measures have been pivotal in stabilizing prices for consumers while ensuring favorable price realization for farmers.

The anticipation of good rainfall is expected to boost the morale of farmers, leading to the production of a good crop in major Urad producing states like Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, according to an official statement. 

 As on July 5, the area sown for Urad has reached 5.37 lakh hectares, against 3.67 lakh hectares for the same period last year. This year's 90-day crop is anticipated to see robust Kharif production. 

Prior to the Kharif sowing season, there has been notable progress in the pre-registration of farmers through government agencies like NAFED and NCCF. These efforts are part of the government's strategy to encourage farmers to shift towards pulse production during the Kharif season, so as to ensure self-sufficiency in this sector.

In Madhya Pradesh alone, as many as 8,487 Urad farmers have already registered through NCCF and NAFED. Meanwhile, significant pre-registrations have been reported in major producing states, with Maharashtra registering 2,037 farmers, Tamil Nadu 1,611 farmers, and Uttar Pradesh 1,663 farmers, showcasing widespread participation in these initiatives.

Besides, the procurement of summer Urad under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) by NAFED and NCCF is in progress, the release said.

As a result of these initiatives, as of July 6, wholesale prices of Urad witnessed a week-on-week decline of 3.12 per cent and 1.08 per cent in Indore and Delhi markets respectively. In line with domestic prices, the landed prices of imported Urad are also trending downward.

The release  noted that these measures underscore the government's commitment to balancing market dynamics while supporting both farmers and consumers.