Moong arrivals pick up in Karnataka as prices rule firm on lower crop

Moong (green gram) harvest has commenced in Karnataka, with market arrivals in regions like Gadag and Bagalkot increasing, though trade sources indicate the crop yield is lower due to reduced acreage caused by delayed monsoon and insufficient rainfall. In Gadag, a key market for moong in North Karnataka, arrivals reached approximately 12,000 quintals on Tuesday.

Prices have slightly decreased compared to previous days as the new crop's arrival appears to be better than anticipated. However, the moisture content in the fresh crop remains high, ranging from 18-21 percent, compared to the government standard of 12 percent. Traders and millers are hesitant to purchase the produce due to the higher moisture content, as it could lead to storage complications, while summer crops from states like Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat are available at lower prices.

The average prices for machine-harvested moong are slightly lower, ranging from Rs 7,000-8,500 per quintal, owing to the crop's dull quality resulting from machine harvesting and increased foreign material content. Conversely, hand-picked moong commands a higher price of Rs 8,600-10,300 per quintal. The central government has set a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 8,780 per quintal.

Rainfall and cloudy weather in the Gadag region are anticipated to affect the post-harvest drying process, creating challenges for both farmers and processors. The moong crop is expected to be lower this year due to a decline in acreage. In Bagalkot, North Karnataka, around 5,000 quintals of the new crop arrived on Tuesday, with prices fluctuating between Rs 8,500-9,975.

The hand-picked moong in this area is of good quality this year. Moong acreage in the ongoing kharif season has decreased by 4 percent, from 33.42 lakh hectares last year to 32.05 lakh hectares as of August 14. In Karnataka, the moong area has dropped by 12 percent, while in Maharashtra, it has decreased by 30 percent. Rajasthan's acreage is nearly unchanged, while in Madhya Pradesh, it has fallen by 30 percent, and in Gujarat, it has declined by 45 percent.