Pulse Stock Declaration may soon become mandatory for traders, processors and retailers as the Central Government steps up efforts to control rising prices of essential pulses.
The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) is considering the move amid concerns that some market participants may be holding stocks for extended periods, contributing to higher prices despite comfortable domestic supplies and imports.
The department has called a meeting of state governments on November 12, 2026, to review the price situation and discuss measures to control increases in key varieties, including chana, tur, urad and lentils.
The proposed requirement is aimed at improving transparency in the supply chain, monitoring stockholding patterns and preventing possible cartelisation or artificial shortages in the market.
 Pulse Stock Declaration May Become Mandatory
The Department of Consumer Affairs is examining the possibility of making stock declarations compulsory for traders, processors and retailers dealing in pulses.
The department is closely monitoring the stock positions of importers, wholesalers, millers and other market participants.
It is also examining import arrivals, domestic production and market requirements to understand why prices are increasing despite sufficient supplies.
Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare indicated that the government is concerned about possible cartelisation in the pulses market.
The department believes that some market participants may be influencing prices despite the availability of adequate stocks.
The proposed stock declaration system would help authorities obtain better information about the quantity of pulses held by different market participants.
This could make it easier to identify unusual stock accumulation and delays in releasing commodities into the domestic market.
However, the mandatory declaration requirement is still under consideration. The government has not yet announced a final implementation date or detailed reporting requirements.
Tur and Chana Prices Rise Despite Adequate Supplies
Rising retail prices have become a major concern for the government. According to the latest figures cited by the department, the average retail price of tur reached Rs 135.22 per kg, while gram or chana was priced at Rs 95.23 per kg on November 10, 2026.
Compared with the previous year, tur prices increased by approximately 20%, while gram prices rose by around 10%.
Chana prices have also moved higher in recent weeks. The all-India average retail price stood at Rs 94.54 per kg on November 6, compared with Rs 89.59 per kg on October 6, representing an increase of 5.53%.
The price movement has attracted attention because domestic chana production has improved. Production increased to 12.51 million tonnes during the 2025-26 crop year, compared with 11.1 million tonnes in the previous year.
This represents an increase of 12.6%, indicating that higher prices are not necessarily linked to a decline in domestic chana production.
 Government Pulse Buffer Stock Reaches 3.8 Million Tonnes
India currently has a record buffer stock of approximately 3.8 million tonnes of pulses, compared with the prescribed buffer norm of 3.5 million tonnes.
The stock includes around 1.61 million tonnes of gram, 0.97 million tonnes of tur, 0.64 million tonnes of moong and 0.53 million tonnes of masur. Urad stocks stand at approximately 44,000 tonnes.
The government maintains these reserves to manage supply shortages and prevent sharp increases in consumer prices. Buffer stocks can be released into the market when required to improve availability.
Despite the comfortable stock position, authorities are examining whether the available supplies are reaching domestic markets quickly enough.
The department has specifically raised concerns about imported pulses remaining at ports, bonded warehouses and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for extended periods.
Delays in moving these stocks into the domestic market can affect availability and influence market expectations.
 Pulse Imports Increase 67% Amid El Nino Concerns
India’s pulse imports increased by 67% to 2.06 million tonnes during April-August of FY27. The increase came amid concerns about the possible impact of El Nino on domestic agricultural production.
India imports approximately 18% to 20% of its annual pulse consumption. Major imported varieties include tur, urad, masur, yellow peas and Bengal gram.
The government is also examining agricultural production prospects to reduce the possibility of future supply shortages.
Chana is receiving particular attention because it accounts for around 50% of India’s total pulses production.
The Consumer Affairs Department has communicated with the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department to encourage expanded chana cultivation.
The suggested focus areas include Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.Expanding cultivation in these regions could help reduce the potential impact of adverse weather conditions on future supplies.
Retail inflation in the pulses category stood at 4.68% year-on-year in September 2026, adding to concerns about household food expenses.
What the Proposed Stock Declaration Means for Consumers
If implemented, mandatory stock declarations could give the government better visibility into the quantities of pulses held across the supply chain.
Authorities would be able to monitor stock movements more effectively and identify situations where large quantities remain stored instead of reaching wholesale and retail markets.
The measure could also help the government take timely action against hoarding and practices that contribute to artificial price increases.
For consumers, the main objective is to improve market availability and prevent unnecessary increases in everyday food expenses.
Pulses are an important source of protein for Indian households, making their prices particularly significant for family budgets.
However, stock declaration alone may not immediately reduce retail prices.
Actual price movements will also depend on domestic production, import arrivals, weather conditions, transportation and the speed at which available stocks reach markets.
The November 12 meeting with state governments will be important in determining the next steps.
Until an official decision is announced, mandatory stock declaration remains a proposed measure rather than an implemented nationwide requirement.
