Arrivals of pulses may be delayed

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Delayed winter rains in north India may lead to late arrivals of pulses in the country. The rains, so far, are beneficial to pulses and wheat. But, it could lead to concern if the spell lasts long.

According to commodities analysts, there could be some impact in northern Uttar Pradesh on chana crop, whose arrival normally starts in April. In Rajasthan, rains are beneficial to chana. In Madhya Pradesh, where the chana harvest has started in some centres, its arrival may get delayed.

However, analysts ruled out any major setback. "Water logging and hailstorms may affect crop estimates, but it will not be a very hard hit, as the country has high acreage this year," said an analyst at Agri Watch Commodities.

The Indore-based traders said that there was some damage to the masoor crop. However, the actual damage to the crop in the state is yet to be ascertained.

Masoor in Uttar Pradesh is also likely to have some impact. It is one of the most delicate plants in the pulses category.

Chana prices may slip in the market, as rains would help good yield, said traders.

With rains in the whole of the Gangetic plain, including Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, urad from Orissa and West Bengal, which was expected to arrive by mid-February, is also likely to witness delays.