Moong sowing slows, wholesale prices rise on weak rains in Karnataka

Delayed rains have cast a cloud over the cultivation of moong (green gram) as farmers in Karnataka, a key producing state, are forced to defer sowing or turn to other crops.

- Puja Das

At a time pulse prices remain high, a weak moong output could keep food inflation elevated.

Farmers in Karnataka, where 20-25% of India’s moong is grown, generally finish sowing by 20 June; however, they may extend it by a week if rains pick up, tempted by a 10%-plus hike in minimum support prices at ₹8,558 per quintal for the 2023-24 (July-June) crop year. Still, predictions of weak rains may drive them to other crops like corn, cotton, urad (black gram), groundnut and bajra, depressing India’s total moong output by 20-30% and boosting prices.

Though Karnataka’s moong belts of Belgaum and Yadgiri have received rain, only 5-10% of area under moong has so far been cultivated. While some growers tap their own ponds, most others in the key producer northern districts wait for rains.