India's Desi Chickpeas Imports Decline in April–May 2025

25-Jun-2025 09:42 AM

India's Desi Chickpeas Imports Decline in April–May 2025
★ India’s import of desi chickpeas (chana) is projected to fall sharply in the first two months (April and May) of FY 2025–26, with estimated volumes at only 15,536 metric tons, marking a decline of nearly 48% compared to 29,948 metric tons during the same period last year.
★ In FY 2024–25, imports stood at 2,371 tons in April and surged to 27,577 tons in May. In contrast, the current fiscal has seen 14,336 tons imported in April, with only 1,200 tons expected in May.
Historical import volumes
FY 2024–25: 1.506 million tons (record high)
FY 2023–24: 163,992 tons
FY 2022–23: 59,255 tons
FY 2021–22 and FY 2020–21: Both around 1.4 million tons
★ Notably, January and February of FY 2024–25 recorded exceptionally high imports of 503,479 tons and 380,915 tons, respectively.
★ The key reason for reduced imports is the limited stock availability in Australia, a major supplier. Additionally, India’s domestic crop has been strong this season, reducing the need for imports.
★ Australia’s new chickpea crop is expected to start arriving by September, and a small crop from Africa may also enter the market in the interim.
★ Looking ahead, with upcoming festive season demand, there are strong prospects for stock liquidation. This could result in a modest price support due to increased consumption, though overall imports may remain limited.