Faridkot, July 4, 2026 – A surge in moong (green gram) prices and heavy arrivals at the Kotkapura grain market are driving a significant push toward crop diversification in Punjab's Faridkot region. The Kotkapura mandi has recorded arrivals of approximately 4,500 to 5,000 bags (each 50 kg) this season, with prices reaching Rs 8,100 to Rs 8,200 per quintal on Friday—substantially higher than last year's peak of Rs 6,100 per quintal.
Record Arrivals and Strong Demand
The current season's arrivals already match the total quantity received during the entire previous season. “The pace of arrivals this year has been remarkable, and going by current trends, the season’s total is expected to far exceed last year’s figures,” said Umesh Garg, president of the Arhtiya Association, Kotkapura. Unseasonal rains earlier slightly affected grain quality, making it marginally lighter, but this has not dampened market sentiment. Local processing units and traders are actively procuring, keeping daily trading volumes brisk.
Prices Well Above MSP
The biggest draw for farmers is the price. The Centre's minimum support price (MSP) for moong is Rs 6,700 per quintal, but strong private commercial demand has pushed prices well above this floor. “Even though government agencies do not actively procure the pulse, brisk private trade—driven by local processing mills as well as buyers from outside the state—has ensured highly profitable returns for growers,” said Sanjay Mittal, an arhtiya in Kotkapura. Traders note that prices rose by Rs 500 to Rs 600 per quintal as last season progressed, suggesting even better returns in coming weeks.
Impetus for Diversification
The combination of good yield and attractive prices is a major boost for Punjab, which has long sought to reduce dependence on water-intensive wheat and paddy. Pulses like moong require significantly less water, enrich soil with nitrogen, and have a shorter crop cycle compared to paddy, agriculture experts note. The current profitability is likely to encourage more farmers to expand pulse cultivation in future seasons. The market currently offers both the early-sown “Saathi” variety (60-day crop) and standard moong, with Saathi trading at a discount of Rs 100 to Rs 150 per quintal, yet overall returns remain attractive.
