Canada Lentil Crop Report: AAFC

22-Mar-2025 08:43 AM

Canada Lentil Crop Report: AAFC
Season 2024–25
★ India, Turkey, and the UAE were the largest buyers during this season. Total exports reached 2.1 million tonnes. From August to January, Canada exported 1.12 million tonnes of lentils—25% higher than the same period in 2023–24.
★ Carry-out stocks are expected to reach 340,000 tonnes. Due to large stockpiles, prices dropped to CAD 835/tonne.
★ In February, on-farm prices fell by CAD 45/tonne for green lentils and CAD 15/tonne for red lentils.
★ Export demand is steady. Green lentils are priced CAD 550/tonne higher than red lentils, down from a record CAD 785/tonne premium in 2023–24.
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Season 2025–26
★ The area under lentil cultivation is expected to drop to 770,000 hectares, with production estimated at 2.33 million tonnes.
★ Total supply is projected to rise to 2.874 million tonnes, with exports steady at 2.1 million tonnes. This may lead to an increase in carry-out stocks by the end of the season.
★ Average prices are expected to decline compared to 2024–25.
★ There has been a consistent drop in average prices: from CAD 1,000/tonne in 2023–24, to CAD 835 in 2024–25, and projected to fall further to CAD 730/tonne in 2025–26.
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United States – Season 2024–25
★ U.S. lentil production is expected to reach 410,000 tonnes—mostly green lentils.
★ This is a 60% increase over the 2023–24 season. So far this season, the U.S. has exported 40,000 tonnes of lentils to Canada.
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Impact on Indian Markets
★ A record volume of lentils was imported in the previous fiscal year. This year, imports are slightly weaker, while the domestic crop is strong.
★ Prices are currently below the MSP (Minimum Support Price), prompting government procurement, which has provided limited price support.
★ Lentil prices are likely to remain range-bound, with little expectation of a strong upward trend.