India’s moong sowing has fallen 11% year-on-year, driven by deficient rainfall in the main growing states of Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, according to The Hindu Business Line. Over 62% of the targeted area has been sown so far, but the shortfall has raised concerns about pulse output, though recent rains may accelerate planting in the coming weeks.
Sowing and Rainfall Impact
The 11% dip in acreage is mainly due to lower rainfall in Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Maharashtra compared with the 2025 monsoon, the source reported. After the current spell of rains, it is expected that the area will at least match last year’s level if not exceed. Farmer Jagdeesh Chand Sou, who cultivates moong in about 35 bighas out of 55 bighas (approximately 34 acres) near Dudu in Rajasthan, said he planted moong on June 27 and was waiting for rains. “Fortunately, the rains received Monday will save my crop,” he said. Sou added that there is no alternative crop other than moong, bajra, and jowar that he can take.
Price Realization
Despite the planting difficulties, farmers continue to grow moong. According to the Agmarknet portal, moong farmers in Rajasthan sold their last year’s kharif crop at an average 26% below the minimum support price (MSP) of ₹8,768 per quintal during the key harvesting season of October–December 2025. The table below summarises the cost and revenue for a typical farmer:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Support Price (MSP) | ₹8,768/quintal |
| Average Market Price (Oct–Dec 2025) | 26% below MSP |
| Cultivation cost per bigha | ₹6,000–7,000 |
| Revenue per bigha (3 quintals) | ₹18,000–20,000 |
Farmer leader Rampal Jat explained that in non-irrigated areas where moong is cultivated, farmers have little option. “One is lower input costs; the second is short duration (of 60–75 days) helps farmers to take another crop if the rain is good,” he said, explaining why farmers stick to moong despite low realisations.
Farmer Sentiment and Alternatives
Jagdeesh Chand Sou noted that no agricultural scientist or government official ever advised any alternatives, even though farmers in his village would like to try them amid low returns from moong. However, he said he saves a reasonable amount — spending ₹6,000–7,000 per bigha on cultivation costs and earning ₹18,000–20,000 per bigha from selling 3 quintals at current market rates. The government claims India has attained self-sufficiency in moong, which is the only pulse crop for which that claim is made.
Outlook
With recent rains providing relief, sowing is likely to pick up in the coming weeks. The source reported that it is expected that the area will at least match last year’s level if not exceed. Traders and procurement teams should monitor monsoon progress in Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, as well as price movements relative to MSP, to gauge final output and market arrivals.
Sources:
