Centre holds buffer amid rising demand for pulses by states

The Centre’s pulses buffer is a reserve of pulses held by the government. Its main purpose is to support domestic markets when supplies become tight and retail prices rise. This matters because pulses are important food staples, and sudden price increases affect household budgets.

The consumer affairs ministry holds about 4.5 million tonnes. The stock includes tur, chana, lentils, moong and urad. The government can release pulses into retail markets when necessary, increasing availability and helping moderate prices. Officials distinguish this market intervention from supplying states for their welfare programmes.

States are currently requesting tur and chana as prices remain high. However, the Centre says large releases could weaken its ability to respond later. With weather risks threatening tur and chana production, preserving the buffer gives the government a reserve for future shortages and price pressure.

The consumer affairs ministry currently holds about 4.5 million tonnes of pulses. This reserve is designed to give the Centre room to act when domestic availability weakens or retail prices rise. Its scale is significant because the government is balancing current state demands against possible future shortages.

Tur accounts for 1.1 million tonnes, while chana accounts for 2.3 million tonnes. The remaining stocks include 650,000 tonnes of masur, 370,000 tonnes of moong and 70,000 tonnes of urad. Together, tur and chana total 3.4 million tonnes, roughly three-quarters of the stated buffer.

States, particularly larger southern states, have sought more than 100,000 tonnes of tur each. The Centre says it cannot meet demands of that size and still preserve stocks for market intervention. Weather concerns make that caution more important.

States are asking for tur and chana because pulse prices have risen and they want supplies for welfare schemes. Larger states, especially in southern India, have sought more than 100,000 tonnes of tur each. Their requests come while households and food programmes face higher costs.

The Centre’s concern is the buffer’s limited use. It holds pulses to intervene in retail markets when necessary, rather than to meet every state demand. A large release to states would move substantial stock away from that purpose. It could reduce the quantity available for later market intervention.

Tur dal prices were up 17.2% year-on-year to ₹131.98 per kilogram, while gram dal rose 8.66% to ₹92.86. A release into retail markets could increase availability and ease prices. But releasing large quantities to states may leave less protection against future production or supply shocks.

Deficient rainfall and drought-like conditions in major pulse-growing regions are raising concerns about future supplies. Tur is a kharif crop, so rainfall during its growing season is especially important. If moisture remains inadequate, production could fall and domestic availability could weaken.

Chana faces a different timing risk. It is a major rabi crop and is entering its sowing season. Dry soil conditions could reduce or delay sowing. That would affect the crop planted for the coming season and could limit supplies later. The article does not quantify the possible production loss.

These risks matter because tur and chana together account for over 60% of India’s total pulse consumption. If harvests or planted areas decline, retail markets may face tighter supplies. The Centre may then need its buffer more urgently, while states continue seeking stocks and prices remain under pressure.

Yellow peas can reduce pressure on chana because they are a cheaper substitute. Food processors and retailers use them in products such as besan and other pulse-based foods. When yellow peas are available, some buyers can use them instead of chana, reducing demand for the costlier pulse.

The mechanism is substitution. Greater yellow pea availability gives processors and retailers another raw material. That can ease competition for chana supplies and put downward pressure on chana prices. It may also help improve overall pulse availability when domestic production faces weather risks.

India allowed duty-free yellow pea imports in December 2023 to improve availability and contain tur and chana prices. Imports surged to nearly 2.95 million tonnes in 2024. The Centre imposed a 30% duty from 1 November 2025, however, so industry is pushing for lower duties to ease current supply pressures.

The Price Support Scheme, or PSS, is a government procurement programme that buys eligible farm commodities at announced support prices. In this context, it covers government-procured pulses. The article says the government normally requires those pulses to be disposed of within nine months.

The government asked the agriculture ministry in July to relax that requirement. Delaying disposal would allow procured pulses to remain in government stocks for longer. This gives officials more flexibility over when to release supplies, rather than forcing sales while markets or production prospects are changing.

That flexibility matters because retail prices are elevated and weather risks threaten tur and chana supplies. Holding stocks longer could strengthen future market intervention. It could also help the government avoid releasing supplies before they are needed. The article does not state whether the deadline was ultimately changed or how long any extension would last.

Pulses are edible seeds from legume crops, such as pigeon peas, chickpeas, lentils and grams. They are widely used in everyday foods, including dal and besan. Their prices matter because households depend on them as regular food items, and higher retail prices raise the cost of meals.

Tur and chana are especially important in India’s pulse supply. The article states that together they account for over 60% of total pulse consumption. Tur is a kharif crop, while chana is a major rabi crop. The government holds 1.1 million tonnes of tur and 2.3 million tonnes of chana in its buffer.

Prices have already risen. Tur dal reached ₹131.98 per kilogram, up 17.2% year-on-year, while gram dal reached ₹92.86, up 8.66%. Weather risks, state demand and import policy will influence whether supplies improve or household costs remain high.