In 2021, the price of gram has increased by 13.24 percent so far. Due to continuous strong demand from hotel-restaurants, its price is expected to come down now. Its prices in the futures market are currently at the level of 5060. Apart from this, the spot prices of gram are also increased due to decrease in carryover stocks and less arrival of fresh crops. According to market experts, by the end of March, its prices will be weak when its new crop comes, but this decline will remain for some time. After this, its prices can reach 5500 in the next two months. The central government will buy it to increase its buffer stock, which will strengthen its prices.
For these reasons, prices of gram have increased
- According to the Kedia Commodity Report, unseasonal rains and hailstorms in the major producing areas of gram have affected the crops which have been completely ready in the fields.
- Economic activity was stopped for a long time due to the Corona epidemic. Now slowly the situation is becoming normal. In such a situation, the demand for gram from hotel-restaurants has increased.
- Government procurement has increased. The central government can make more purchases to increase the buffer stock. According to Anuj Gupta, Vice President (Commodity and Research), Angel Broking, the central government has procured gram for the poor, due to which its prices have strengthened. The government buys and distributes gram to the poor.
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Expect more arrival of gram
The Ministry of Agriculture estimates that in the 2020-21 season (July-June), 15.1 million tonnes of gram can be harvested. According to Agriculture Commissioner SK Malhotra, this year, due to increase in the area under sowing of gram, gram crop may be more. As compared to last year, this year sowing area of gram has increased by 4.5 lakh hectare and it has been sown in about 112 lakh hectare. In this season, 1.15 million tonnes of gram is estimated to be produced, which is slightly higher than the fourth estimate of 14 million tonnes. However, Millers estimate is less than this. According to the Millers, it is estimated that only 9–9.5 tonnes of chana will be available in 2020-21. 9.5 tonnes of gram came in the last gram season.