Key Highlights of the Lentil Webinar held on 3 December 2025: GPC
03-Dec-2025 05:53 PM
Key Highlights of the Lentil Webinar held on 3 December 2025: GPC
Speakers & Host:
Andac Kolukisa (Natural Gida, Turkey)
Turkey
★ Production has been continuously declining over the last decade.
★ According to the Turkey Grain Board, total production is estimated at 55,000 tons.
★ The government reduced import duty on green lentils from 30% to 10%.
★ Around 100,000 tons of lentils were imported from Russia and 150,000 tons from Kazakhstan.
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Jay Saraff (Mandala Trading, Australia)
Australia
★ South Australia has completed the harvest of 900,000 tons of lentils.
★ In Victoria, more than 20% of the harvest is complete, but sowing was delayed by 2–3 weeks. Due to weather, harvesting is happening in patches, not in one go.
★ Exports were slow initially due to delayed harvesting. So far, 230,000 tons have been exported; in December, another 200,000–250,000 tons are expected to be exported (mainly to Bangladesh due to Ramadan demand).
★ There were 2 vessels in November; 4–5 container shipments expected in December.
★ According to ABARES, production this season is 1.91 million tons; industry estimates are around 2 million tons.
★ Ending stocks for 2024–25 were 253,000 tons, which may rise to 615,000 tons in 2025–26 (if exports reach 1.5 million tons).
★ Australia has excellent storage facilities; if prices are weak, stock can be held for up to a year.
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Deepak Rawat (Empros International, Canada), Canada
★ Total lentil production may rise from 2.43 million tons to 3.5 million tons.
★ Importantly, red lentil production may increase from 1.75 million tons to around 1.85 million tons, and green lentil production from 750,000 tons to 1.7 million tons.
★ Red lentil balance stock remains at a comfortable level.
★ So far, 275,000 tons of red lentil exports are possible; another 300,000–350,000 tons of shipments are lined up.
★ This year’s total red lentil exports are expected to be similar to last year.
★ Bangladesh is mostly buying from Australia now; India and Pakistan are sourcing from both Canada and Australia.
★ Canada is rapidly shifting from container to bulk shipment. Bulk offers are around USD 500 per ton (all-inclusive).
★ The price difference between container and bulk is USD 35–40, while in Australia the difference is USD 10–15.
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Binod Agarwal (SGR AK Agri, India), India
★ Government stock is 525,000 tons and port stock is 102,000 tons—total 625,000 tons. Import duty is 10%, which has reduced imports.
★ Till this date last year, imports were 800,000 tons; this year 550,000–600,000 tons.
★ Yellow pea prices are also affecting lentil imports.
★ MSP is Rs 7,000, while imported lentils (Nipper USD 500 CFR Kolkata) cost around Rs 5,150 landed—showing a price gap of Rs 1,850 per quintal.
★ To reduce this gap, the government may consider increasing import duty to 30–50%. A small increase of 10–15% will not make much difference.
★ The government may take a decision after reviewing the situation by mid-January or February.
★ If weather remains favourable, Indian production may reach 1.7 million tons, which is about half of total consumption.
★ Forward trading has increased, showing early signs of market improvement.
★ Current market prices are considered to be at the lower end.
★ Comfortable price levels: Canada USD 490–500 and Australia USD 525.
★ Import volumes will depend on whether the government increases import duty or not.