The staple Indian meal combination of ‘dal chawal’ is confronting significant cost pressures due to the soaring prices of tur dal and rice this season. Tur dal has seen a remarkable surge of over 50 percent, while various rice varieties have also experienced notable increases ranging from 20 to 25 percent compared to the previous year, as per a local media report. This escalation in prices poses challenges for consumers, especially those heavily reliant on these essentials, raising concerns about affordability and accessibility.
In Nagpur’s wholesale grain market, popular tur dal varieties like ‘fod fatka,’ unpolished, and polished ‘waradi fatka’ are priced between Rs 145 to Rs 162 per kg, while rice varieties such as HMT, Kali Mooch, and Shreeram are being sold at Rs 45 to Rs 70 per kg. Market dealers attribute the price hike to shortages in supply, particularly noting reduced production in many tur dal-growing states and crop losses due to unseasonal rains.
However, there’s a glimmer of hope as dealers anticipate a potential decrease in prices with the arrival of new crops in March and April. They believe improved supply during these months may help stabilize prices, offering some relief to consumers grappling with the current price surge.