Doubts on the estimate of pea sowing area in Canada

05-May-2025 05:35 PM

New Delhi. The pea sowing campaign has begun in Canada, but uncertainty continues among farmers regarding its cultivation. On March 20, China imposed a steep 100 percent import duty on American peas, effectively halting shipments.

Meanwhile, India had allowed duty-free imports of yellow peas starting December 2023, but this exemption is set to expire on May 31, 2025. India and China were the two largest buyers of Canadian peas in 2024.

If the Indian government proceeds with the expected imposition of high import duties on yellow peas, Canadian producers and exporters may lose access to both major markets.

This uncertainty is causing concern among Canadian farmers, who are struggling to decide whether to expand or reduce their sowing area.

A moderate increase is expected in the green pea cultivation area, due to lower carryover stocks, relatively better prices compared to yellow peas, and a slightly more stable export outlook.

However, India does not permit the import of green peas, and China imports them only in limited quantities. As a result, while green peas have some potential, yellow pea exports from Canada are facing significant threats.

If India imposes a 50 percent customs duty along with other earlier restrictions, yellow pea imports could stop entirely. Imports of other pea varieties are already restricted.

Although Statistics Canada has projected the total area under pea cultivation to rise by 9.5 percent in 2025 to 3.5 million acres, many trade and industry analysts believe the actual area could fall short due to the uncertain export prospects.