Government procurement will be needed to curb falling chickpea prices
17-Feb-2026 06:05 PM
Ahmedabad. Chickpea prices are under pressure due to increased availability of domestic and imported goods and weak demand from stockists and pulse millers, and have been softening for the past few weeks. The arrival of new chickpeas is expected to gradually pick up, leading to further declines in prices. Chickpeas imported from abroad are currently below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Even at these low prices, purchases are declining.
Supplies of new chickpeas have already begun in some markets in key producing states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, and prices have fallen below the MSP. According to trade analysts, domestic chickpea production is expected to improve this year due to increased sowing area and favorable weather, so buyers are not rushing to purchase them. Declining chickpea prices can only be curbed by vigorous government procurement.
The Secretary of the India Pulses and Grains Association stated that the price of chickpea has fallen by 10-15 percent in the past fifteen days. Government procurement is delayed, and the market is unable to handle the increased supply. The wholesale market price of chickpea is currently hovering around ₹5,400-₹5,500 per quintal. In the near future, a strong influx of new stock will begin, first in Maharashtra, and then in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
This could further drive down prices. New chickpeas from Karnataka, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh may also put pressure on the market. Demand for chickpeas is weak. The cost of imported chickpeas at ports is hovering around ₹5,300 per quintal. Traders and millers are purchasing the imported chickpeas due to their good quality, while market purchases are declining.
According to the association, the price of chickpeas imported from Tanzania at the Mumbai port is ₹5,300, and the price of chickpeas from Australia is ₹5,425 per quintal. Its price is Rs 5350 per quintal at Mundra port in Gujarat and Rs 5375 per quintal at Kandla port.