Mumbai: Prices in the domestic Masoor market showed an upward trend during the current week. The market received strong support as selling by farmers and stockists slowed down at lower price levels, while buying by pulse mills increased. Arrivals from producing regions remained limited, keeping selling pressure relatively low at the lower price points. Trade sources anticipate further improvement in Masoor demand as pulse consumption rises in the coming months. Active buying by millers at current price levels and limited availability are bolstering the market. Experts believe that if demand from pulse mills rises as expected and arrivals in producing markets remain restricted, Masoor prices could strengthen further in the near term. For now, the likelihood of a significant drop in the Masoor market appears low due to controlled availability. Prices of imported Masoor rose by ₹150–200 per quintal this week, driven by reduced selling and increased buying by importers. By the weekend, prices stood at ₹5,700–5,800 per quintal for Mundra-origin Canadian Masoor, ₹5,800 for Hazira-origin, ₹6,000 for containerized Canadian Masoor, and ₹6,000–6,050 for Australian Masoor.

While Masoor production in Canada is expected to decline due to reduced sowing and adverse weather, there is no panic in the market, thanks to substantial carry-over stocks from the previous year and the arrival of the new crop next month. Meanwhile, record production estimates in Australia are likely to increase competition in the global market. Masoor imports into India are currently slow, though they could rise later due to reduced sowing of Tur (pigeon pea). Traders believe that if the quality of the Canadian crop is compromised, prices for high-quality stock could remain firm.

Driven by increased buying from dal millers, prices of Masoor (red lentil) in Delhi rose by ₹50–100 per quintal during the week. By the weekend, rates stood at ₹7,500/quintal for 'Chhoti Kota', ₹8,350 for 'Bundi', ₹8,800 for 'Uttar Pradesh' variety, and ₹6,900 for 'Desi Badi'.

Increased buying led to a rise of ₹100 per quintal in Masoor prices in Madhya Pradesh this week. Weekend rates were recorded as follows: Ashoknagar ₹5,800–6,350, Bina ₹6,100–6,500, Ganjbasoda ₹6,000–6,400, Sagar ₹6,000–6,400, Damoh ₹6,100–6,550, Indore ₹6,200, Kareli ₹5,700–6,565, and Katni ₹6,700 per quintal.

Rising demand caused prices of 'Chhoti' (small-grain) Masoor to increase by ₹200 per quintal and 'Badi' (bold-grain) Masoor by ₹100 per quintal in Uttar Pradesh this week. Weekend rates settled at: Bareilly (Chhoti) ₹10,400 and (Moti/Bold) ₹6,900; Lalitpur (Moti) ₹6,300–6,400 and (Chhoti) ₹9,500–9,600; and Orai ₹6,000–6,300 per quintal.

Supported by a broad-based rally and improved demand, Masoor prices in Bihar rose by ₹200 per quintal this week; weekend rates reached ₹7,100 in Barh, ₹6,900 in Khusrupur, and ₹7,100 in Mokama. Similarly, Raipur Masoor prices saw an increase of ₹100 per quintal, reaching ₹6,400 per quintal by the weekend.

Driven by the upward trend in Masoor (red lentil) prices, Masoor Dal saw a rise of ₹150–300 per quintal during the week. By the weekend, prices stood at ₹7,500–7,600 per quintal in Indore; ₹7,900–8,100 in Barh; ₹7,800–8,000 in Khusrupur; ₹7,900–8,100 in Mokama; ₹9,000 in Chandausi; and ₹7,700 in Hyderabad.