Pulses prices up on rainfall, demand

MUMBAI: Heavy rainfall in the kharif pulses growing region has pushed up prices of pulses on fears of crop damage, traders said on Monday.

The key kharif pulses growing states — Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh — received heavy rainfall last week and rains are still continuing in some parts of these states. "Moong (green gram) and urad (black gram) crop have been damaged. They were in harvesting stage...rains affected their quality and productivity," said Nagpur-based trader Radha Vallabhaji Purohit.

In a week, green gram prices rose by Rs 50-100 to Rs 2,100-2,250 per 100 kg in major markets while black gram prices rose Rs 100-150 to Rs 2,200-2,350 per 100 kg. "Prices rose because of rainfall, but still we don't know how much crop was damaged," said Latur-based trader Nitin Kalantri.

Red gram or tur prices rose Rs 100 to Rs 2,500-2,650 per 100 kg. However, traders said tur prices rose due to lower supply and increased festive demand. "This rainfall is useful for tur crop and will help in increasing yield," said

Jalgoan-based trader Ashok Dhoot. Taking support from the movement in kharif pulses prices, chana or chickpea prices also rose by Rs 50-120 per 100 kg to Rs 2,200-2,400. "The festive demand is also helping the price rise," Mr Purohit said.