Toor Dal Price Crashes in Karnataka: From ₹180 to ₹95, Households Finally Breathe Easy

News Flash

21 June

Thanks to a bumper harvest in Kalaburagi and increased imports from abroad, the once-soaring price of pigeon pea dal has now halved — but traders warn this relief may be short-lived

Bengaluru: In a sharp reversal from last year’s price surge, Toor dal (pigeon pea) prices in Karnataka have fallen dramatically, bringing much-needed relief to households across the state. The dal that touched a staggering ₹180 per kilogram in July 2024, began showing signs of decline from January 2025, and has now stabilized between ₹95 and ₹100 per kg in retail markets.

This decline follows a combination of factors: a bumper crop in Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, and neighboring states, alongside bulk imports of pulses from Burma, Ghana, and South Africa initiated by the central government. Dal mills too have stepped up production, ensuring a steady supply in markets.

"This time, Toor dal has been grown extensively in Kalaburagi, Vijayapura district and neighboring Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Although the yield has been good, the quality of Toor dal is low. Therefore, we have purchased Toor dal at an average of ₹6,300 per quintal. We are selling Toor dal at ₹9,200 to ₹10,000 per quintal. The price of Toor dal, which was ₹120 per kg three or four months ago, is now being sold at ₹95 to ₹100. The price may increase slightly after a month," said a local trader.

The price timeline reflects this shift clearly:
From a peak of ₹180/kg in July 2024 due to blight and reduced production, prices corrected to ₹120/kg by January 2025 as early harvests and imports began to balance the market. Now, in June 2025, dal is being sold at nearly half the previous year’s rate, making it affordable once again for common consumers.

While the current pricing brings cheer to households, traders caution that minor increases may occur in the coming weeks due to quality concerns and market adjustments.

Production, Import, and Market Dynamics Driving the Drop:

• High Yield: Massive production from Kalaburagi and adjoining districts

• Government Imports: Shipments from Burma, Ghana, South Africa

• Dal Mills: Increased processing and market supply

• Retail Impact: Prices now down to ₹95–₹100/kg, from ₹180 last year