Twenty percent reduction in pulses from the current year's highs

Following the highs seen in April, chickpea prices have now fallen by as much as 20 per cent to below Rs 2,000 per quintal. The fall in demand has had an impact on prices. In addition to the second wave of corona, the price of chickpeas has come under pressure from NAFED, market sources said.

In addition, the government's opening of imports under an open general license has been declining since the second fortnight of May. Adad prices have fallen by around Rs 1,200 per quintal to around Rs 200.

The spot price of chickpeas has slipped below the support price of Rs 2,100 per quintal and prices are hovering around Rs 200 to Rs 300 in various mandis in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

In addition to the drop in demand due to the corona, the government's inquiry into the stocks held by traders has caused panic in the business community, said an official of the Indian Pulses and Grains Association.

NAFED has started selling chickpeas in the domestic markets, which has led to falling prices due to rising supply in the market. Tuvar and mug prices have also weakened in recent times.

The second wave of corona has affected the demand for pulses in other states, including regulation on keeping markets open, as well as restrictions on other ceremonies, including weddings, market sources said.