Government Fears Decline in Chickpea Sowing

04-Dec-2025 10:42 AM

New Delhi. Although soil moisture is sufficient in almost all major chickpea-producing states and weather conditions remain favorable, the government fears a slight decline in the area sown for this most important pulse.

The government's concern stems from the fact that traditionally, when soil moisture is high, farmers have prioritized wheat sowing. The situation is similar this time as well.

According to senior official sources, the sowing of all Rabi crops, including wheat, chickpea, and mustard, is being closely monitored. So far, chickpea acreage is ahead of last year, but wheat sowing is increasing at a faster pace.

Chickpea sowing is expected to slow down in the coming weeks, while wheat sowing is expected to make good progress.

However, a sharp decline in chickpea acreage is unlikely, as its minimum support price has increased significantly, and the government is also prepared to procure it.

Chickpea growers have been receiving better prices for their pulses for the past two years. Given this, it appears that the total acreage under chickpea cultivation may reach levels near last year's.

Data from the Union Agriculture Ministry shows that domestic chickpea production jumped sharply in the 2021-22 season, reaching a peak of 13.54 million tons, but production has since declined.

This is attributed to a reduction in sown area and unfavorable weather conditions. Chickpea production declined to 12.27 million tons in the 2022-23 season and 11.04 million tons in the 2023-24 season.

For the 2024-25 season, the government has estimated the production of gram at 113.40 lakh tonnes, which is slightly higher than the production of the previous season.