Commodity

The Indian government has set an ambitious goal to increase pulses production by 40%, aiming to enhance food security, stabilize prices, and reduce import dependency. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the agricultural sector, support farmers’ incomes, and meet growing domestic demand for protein-rich crops. Analysts note that achieving this target will require focused policy measures, including improved irrigation, adoption of high-yield varieties, and investment in post-harvest infrastructure.

Markets across Bengaluru remained closed on October 7, 2025, in observance of Valmiki Jayanti, a day commemorating the birth of the revered sage Valmiki. Stock exchanges, commodity markets, and retail trading hubs were all non-operational, affecting trading activity for the day. While the holiday temporarily pauses market operations, brokers, investors, and businesses have been advised to plan transactions accordingly.

India, one of the world’s largest consumers of pulses and edible oils, continues to face production gaps that compel heavy reliance on imports. Recent government data reveals that despite steady gains in agricultural output, domestic production of pulses and oilseeds remains insufficient to meet the growing demand from households and industries. This imbalance has raised concerns over food security, foreign exchange outflows, and price volatility.

Aluminium futures have experienced a notable uptick as fresh market bets and increased investor activity drive prices higher. Analysts attribute the surge to robust demand from the manufacturing and construction sectors, coupled with supply constraints and global economic dynamics. Traders are responding to positive industrial indicators and anticipated recovery in downstream industries, prompting speculative positions in the futures market.

India’s commodity markets are experiencing notable price movements across metals, agricultural products, and energy resources, reflecting a blend of domestic demand shifts, global supply dynamics, and macroeconomic trends. Analysts attribute fluctuations to monsoon variations, crude oil pricing, global commodity cycles, and geopolitical tensions. These shifts directly influence inflation, corporate costs, and investor sentiment, affecting sectors from manufacturing to agriculture.

The cost of preparing home-cooked meals witnessed a noticeable uptick in August, underscoring the broader inflationary pressures gripping households. Essential ingredients such as vegetables, pulses, and edible oils registered a sequential price rise, increasing the burden on families that rely heavily on home-cooked food. While global commodity prices and supply disruptions have played a role, domestic factors—such as seasonal shortages and elevated transportation expenses—have intensified the situation.

Guar seed futures advanced in the commodities market, buoyed by strong demand in the spot market and steady offtake from industrial buyers. The uptrend reflects traders’ optimism about near-term consumption, particularly from the oil and gas sector, where guar gum is used as a drilling agent. Rising export inquiries have further supported sentiment, even as supply remains stable across major producing regions.

Guar gum futures advanced in the commodity markets, supported by robust demand from both domestic processors and international buyers. The price momentum is largely attributed to increased consumption in the oil and gas sector, where guar gum remains essential for drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Export orders, particularly from the United States and Europe, have added further strength to the market. While arrivals from key producing states remain steady, traders are optimistic that strong spot demand will keep futures buoyant.

The National Spot Exchange Limited (NSEL) has announced the opening of its long-awaited broker settlement scheme on August 25. This initiative is aimed at resolving claims tied to the infamous Rs. 5,600 crore payment default case that rocked India’s commodity markets over a decade ago. Under this scheme, defaulting brokers will be able to settle outstanding dues by paying investors directly, thereby accelerating the restitution process.

The Indian jute industry, often referred to as the lifeline of rural Bengal and other eastern states, remains mired in systemic challenges despite its historical and economic importance. Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, during the inauguration of the renovated Jute House at India Exchange Place in Kolkata, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reviving the sector. Key concerns raised at the event included declining jute cultivation, uncontrolled imports from Bangladesh, and the lack of a robust grading system.