In the pulses segment, the market has demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength. Green Gram (Moong) has emerged as a high-performer, with market rates hovering around Rs. 11,233.33 per quintal, comfortably exceeding its Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs. 8,768.00. Similarly, Black Gram (Urd Beans) and Arhar (Red Gram) are commanding significant premiums; Black Gram is trading at a peak of Rs. 12,140.00 against an MSP of Rs. 7,800.00, while Arhar has solidified its position with a steady market price of Rs. 12,366.67, nearly 55% above the government-mandated floor price of Rs. 8,000.00. These figures suggest a tightening supply or a heightened consumer preference for quality protein sources, providing a lucrative window for local producers.
The oilseeds sector, dominated by Copra, remains a cornerstone of the state's agricultural economy. With a substantial arrival volume exceeding 21,500 metric tonnes, Copra has maintained a commanding market presence. The current price realization of over Rs. 20,700.00 per quintal stands in stark contrast to the MSP of Rs. 12,100.00, reflecting the high industrial and domestic demand for coconut products that continues to define Kerala’s unique commercial profile. This surplus in market valuation over the MSP offers a crucial safety net for farmers, shielding them from the potential necessity of government intervention.
Conversely, the vegetable market presents a more complex narrative of high-volume logistics and price sensitivity. Onion arrivals have been particularly heavy, with over 298 metric tonnes entering the market, leading to a stabilization of prices at approximately Rs. 2,856.77 per quintal. Tomatoes, however, have shown the most dramatic movement; despite a lower MSP-equivalent threshold, they are fetching around Rs. 2,329.94 per quintal amidst a surge in arrivals that topped 230 metric tonnes. Potatoes have remained the most stable of the perishables, with arrival figures and pricing showing consistent alignment with regional demand.
This current snapshot of Kerala’s commodity markets underscores a broader economic shift where market forces are currently doing the heavy lifting for farmer incomes, reducing the immediate reliance on state-backed procurement. However, the high volume of vegetable arrivals serves as a reminder of the logistical pressures on the state's supply chain. As the season progresses, the ability of the administrative machinery to manage these inflows will be critical in ensuring that the current price advantages for farmers do not erode under the weight of seasonal gluts.
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