Nandurbar, Maharashtra – Pigeon pea(Tur) farmers in Nandurbar district are grappling with a sharp drop in prices, as rates have plummeted by ₹1,500 per quintal in recent weeks. This has left many farmers questioning whether to sell their produce or wait for better prices.
The Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Nandurbar reported that tur prices, which were around ₹8,000 per quintal in early December 2024, have now fallen to ₹6,900–₹7,200 as of January 8, 2025. The consistent price decline is attributed to the arrival of fresh tur in the market and lower demand compared to November and December.
Weather Woes and Pests Slash Production
This season, erratic rainfall severely impacted tur crops, alongside soybeans and cotton. Prolonged dry spells and untimely rains stunted crop growth, while pest infestations further reduced yields by over 50%. Just as the crops began recovering, heavy rains and pod-boring pests caused significant damage.
“Production has drastically fallen this year due to adverse weather conditions and pest attacks. Many farmers are unable to achieve even subsistence yields,” said Raseed Gavit, a farmer from Navapur, the district’s largest tur-producing taluka.
Current Market Trends
Nandurbar and Navapur markets, major hubs for red Pigeon pea(red Tur), have seen steady arrivals of approximately 200 quintals daily. Red Pigeon pea(red Tur) is selling at ₹6,100–₹7,200 per quintal, while white tur fetches slightly higher prices of ₹6,700–₹7,700 per quintal. Despite the price difference, red Pigeon pea(red Tur) tur continues to dominate the market supply.(Nandurbar today news)
“Prices are on a downward trend due to limited demand, even though overall production is lower this year,” said Yogesh Amrutkar, Secretary of the Nandurbar APMC.
Soybean Prices Also Declining
Soybean farmers are facing similar challenges. Prices have dropped to ₹4,000–₹4,190 per quintal, with most farmers opting to store their produce in hopes of better rates.
Farmers Seek Government Intervention
The sharp decline in tur and soybean prices has left farmers distressed. Many are urging government agencies to step in with minimum support prices (MSP) or other measures to stabilize the market.
As uncertainty looms, farmers face a tough decision: sell at current prices or hold their stock, risking further price drops.