India to buy 1 million tonnes of chana to build buffer stocks, ensure stable prices

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories.NEW DELHI: The Centre plans to buy 1 million tonnes of chana (gram) to build adequate buffer stocks to manage potential supply shortfalls and ensure steady availability in the open market, two officials said.The purchases through the Price Stabilisation Fund are part of graded measures to keep prices of essential food grains stable and prevent market volatility amid forecasts of a below-normal monsoon this year and the possibility of El Niño, a weather phenomenon that increases the risk of drought and reduced crop yields.“The procurement drive will be carried out under existing price support mechanisms, with agencies stepping in to buy from farmers both to support farm-gate prices and to maintain retail price stability,” one official said.India’s chana production climbed 6.2% to 11.8 million tonnes in FY26, with the yield up 1.6% to 1,238 kg per hectare.“Chana production has improved significantly this crop year compared to last year, largely due to the import duty on chana and yellow peas. This has supported domestic prices and encouraged higher sowing.

We are also working towards building a comfortable buffer stock to ensure price stability in the coming months,” the official said.However, irregular rainfall may reduce chana output, which could push up prices and add to food inflation pressures.“It is good that the government has started taking a graded response. Pulses and oilseeds, which are largely rain-fed crops, remain vulnerable to erratic rainfall,” said K.J.