Maharashtra’s Tur Production Could Plummet 40% Due to Flood Damage

Impact of Recent Weather on Tur Crop in Maharashtra

Farmers and agriculture officials in Maharashtra are projecting a severe loss of approximately 40% in the tur crop (pigeon pea/arhar) due to continuous rains and flooding. As one of India’s primary producers of tur, Maharashtra plays a crucial role in the country’s overall output.

This significant loss is anticipated to disrupt the pulse market in the upcoming months. However, imports of tur from countries like Tanzania, Mozambique, and Malawi—priced around $550 (₹48,500) per ton—might help mitigate any shortages. This price is notably lower than the current minimum support price (MSP) of ₹80,000 per ton for the season running until June 2026.

Production Statistics and Area of Cultivation

In 2024-25, India’s tur production reached 35.61 lakh tons, with Maharashtra contributing 13.25 lakh tons, the highest among all states. Data from the Department of Agriculture shows a slight increase in the area planted with tur, from 46.45 lakh hectares in the previous year to 46.60 lakh hectares in the current year. In Maharashtra alone, the sowing area increased from 11.89 lakh hectares last year to over 11.60 lakh hectares this season.

More than 90% of tur production in India comes from eight states: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

Crops Suffering from Adverse Conditions

Ttypically sown in June and July, tur is usually harvested 120 to 190 days later. Unfortunately, major tur cultivation areas—including Ahilyanagar, Sangli, Satara, Pune, Beed, Solapur, and Latur—have experienced extensive rainfall, leading to crop damage during the flowering and pod formation stages.

“There’s a possibility of around 40% damage to the tur crop, as large stretches remain waterlogged,” noted Shivsamb Ladke, an agriculture officer from Latur. “Even when the rains stop, the damage will be significant, with wilting evident across many fields.” Latur is a key grain market in India with numerous dal mills in the area.

Sudhakar Borale, the agriculture officer for Ahmednagar, expressed similar worries, stating that reports of widespread crop damage are emerging from throughout the district.

The main cause of the damage has been identified as Fusarium wilt, a fungal infection that disrupts the plant’s ability to transport water and nutrients.

Fungal Infections and Pest Issues

Agriculture expert Deepak Chavan highlighted that field assessments indicate that wilt disease has affected approximately 25-30% of the standing tur crop. “This loss adds to the devastation caused by the significant flooding in recent months,” noted Chavan. Despite these losses, he mentioned that consumers might not feel an immediate impact in the market because of ongoing imports of pulses, including tur.

Reports also show significant flower shedding and blackened pods due to fungal infections. Prolonged moisture and cloudy weather have slowed crop growth this season, leading to expected declines in yield per hectare by four to five quintals, according to farmer Rajesh Kute from Ahmednagar.

While the soil begins to dry with the approaching winter, farmers face increased pest attacks. Fields ready for harvest are showing insufficient pod development, raising alarms about reduced market arrivals in the coming months.

As hope hangs on the weather improving in the next few weeks, farmers are looking to salvage whatever they can from their crops.

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Published on October 28, 2025