Bathinda, July 6 -- As harvesting of summer moong (green gram) picks up in Punjab, the crop is once again fetching prices at an average of 18% below the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs.8,780 per quintal for the fourth consecutive season.

Experts say that the harvesting of the 65-day rabi zaid (crop sown between rabi and kharif seasons) coincides with the monsoon, leading to high moisture content and discolouration, which lowers the crop's market value.

Ludhiana and Barnala account for nearly 80% of the state's zaid crop, and the trend shows that the moong is being purchased at an average rate of Rs.7,200 per quintal by private players.

According to provisional estimates, moong was cultivated on nearly one lakh acres across various di...