Desi Chana Imports Slow as Domestic Prices Drop

17-Jul-2025 02:50 PM

Mumbai. The import of Desi Chana (chickpeas) has slowed significantly during the current financial year compared to last year, primarily due to falling domestic prices and adequate local supply.

Prices have softened to near or even below the Minimum Support Price (MSP), making imports less economically viable. Additionally, a 10% customs duty on imports since April has further reduced profitability for Indian importers sourcing from countries like Australia.

Although India imported 14,336 tonnes of Desi Chana in April 2025—much higher than the 2,371 tonnes imported in April 2024—the trend did not continue.

Imports in May are estimated to have dropped sharply to 1,200 tonnes (from 27,577 tonnes in May 2024), and in June, to just 360 tonnes (from 11,705 tonnes last year). Notably, in May 2024, the government made Desi Chana imports duty-free—compared to the earlier 66% duty—resulting in a spike in imports later in the year.

During April-June 2025, total imports are estimated at 15,896 tonnes, far below the 41,653 tonnes imported during the same period in the previous financial year. For the full financial year 2024–25, imports had surged to an all-time high of 15.06 lakh tonnes, compared to 1.64 lakh tonnes in 2023–24, 59,000 tonnes in 2022–23, and 1.41 lakh tonnes in 2021–22.

Imports were minimal early in the financial year due to Australia’s off-season, but after new crop arrivals began in October 2024, imports picked up significantly.

The peak was seen in January 2025, when a record 5,03,479 tonnes were imported in a single month. February and March 2025 also saw heavy imports of 3,80,915 tonnes and 2,61,235 tonnes, respectively.

However, with the current domestic market offering stable prices and ample availability, the 10% duty—though not very high—is enough to disincentivize large-scale imports at present.