Mumbai, 22 Jan (Commoditiescontrol): Masur (lentil) prices maintained a soft-to-steady trend across major trading centers on Wednesday, reflecting a balance between increasing supplies and growing domestic demand. While some localized price fluctuations were observed, the overall market sentiment remained stable for both desi and imported masur varieties.
In the mandi segment, prices remained steady in key markets, with Lalitpur, Jabalpur, Ashoknagar, Ganjbasoda, and Beena quoting between ₹5,800–₹6,200 per quintal. However, Lalitpur and Beena experienced slight declines, with rates dropping to ₹5,400–₹5,800 and ₹5,900–₹6,200, respectively. The Kareli market saw a price dip of ₹105 per quintal, while no quotes were available from Sagar.
In the "All Expenses Paid" (Bilty) category, desi masur prices reflected a stable-to-soft tone. Delhi's Madhya Pradesh Line Masur recorded a minor drop to ₹6,625 per quintal, while markets in Indore, Bareilly, and Kanpur showed steady trends. The Behraich market reported a slight decline, with desi masur priced at ₹7,200 per quintal.
Imported masur varieties exhibited minimal price movement. In Delhi, Canada-origin masur remained stable at ₹6,075 per quintal, while at Mumbai ports, prices held firm, with Mundra port quoting ₹5,725–₹5,750 and Hajira port at ₹5,825. Prices for Canada Crimson (Container) and Australia Nugget varieties also stayed steady in Mumbai. At Kolkata port, the Canada and Australia Nugget/Nipper varieties saw a marginal decline, trading at ₹6,000–₹6,075 per quintal.
Split masur (masoor dal) prices also remained stable, with Mumbai quotes ranging from ₹7,350–₹7,550 per quintal, and Katni prices at ₹7,050–₹7,475 per quintal.
Market dynamics were further influenced by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED), which recently announced auctions to sell masur stocks in key states. On Wednesday, NAFED began auctioning masur in Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. This development is expected to exert mild pressure on prices in the coming weeks.
Globally, lentil production and export trends remain mixed. The U.S. projects a 64% increase in lentil output for 2024, reaching 410,640 metric tons, while Canada reported a 20% decline in November exports but noted year-to-date exports of 830,378 metric tons, with India as a significant buyer. Australia, meanwhile, saw an 88% surge in November lentil exports, though cumulative exports are still lower than last year.
Looking ahead, masur prices may face further pressure due to steady supplies from Canada and Australia, ample government stockpiles, and the anticipated arrival of the domestic crop within two months. While demand may temporarily rise with the approaching Ramadan season, sufficient availability and cautious buying are likely to keep price movements subdued.
Spot Masur Prices In Key Indian Markets:

(By Commoditiescontrol Bureau; +91-9820130172)