States pressure Centre over tur and chana supplies as prices surge

State governments across India are intensifying their calls on the Union government to intervene in pulse markets as tur and chana supplies tighten and prices climb higher. The demand stems from a significant production deficit across major pulse-growing regions, where deficient rainfall has created drought-like conditions during the critical growing season.

The erratic weather patterns have raised alarms among agricultural officials and policymakers over the viability of this season's harvest. Tur and chana, two of India's most consumed pulses, are staple protein sources for millions of households and critical to food security across the country. The shortage has already begun reflecting in consumer prices, with retail markets reporting sharp increases.

State authorities are seeking direct government intervention through buffer stock releases, import facilitation, and price stabilization measures. The issue underscores the vulnerability of India's pulse sector to climatic fluctuations and the challenges of maintaining stable food prices across a diverse agricultural landscape.

The Centre has traditionally managed pulse supplies through public distribution channels and strategic reserves. Officials are now reviewing inventory levels and exploring options to augment supplies ahead of the lean season, when prices typically remain under upward pressure.