Lentil Prices Ease on Hopes of Better Australian Crop
20-Aug-2025 03:27 PM
Melbourne. Both the major producing states of Australia - South Australia and Victoria - had disappointing lentil production during the 2024-25 season due to adverse weather conditions, but this time the condition of the crop looks better, due to which there are chances of improvement in the yield.
The immediate price of lentils in stock in Australia for delivery to packers has come down by about $ 30-40 compared to last month and now small red lentils have come down to $ 730 per tonne and big red lentils have come down to $ 780 per tonne.
Similarly, the price of small red lentils of the upcoming new crop is being reported to be $ 690 per tonne and jumbo (big) red lentils are being reported to be $ 720 per tonne.
On the other hand, the arrival of new lentil crop has started in Canada. The market is in some confusion due to the mixed condition of the crop in different areas there. The recent rains are expected to benefit the late sown lentil crop in Canada, but there is a possibility of adverse effect on the yield rate and quality of the early sown crop.
If the quality of lentils in Canada deteriorates, Australia may also suffer indirectly because the price of lentils will soften in Canada and Australia will also have to keep the price low.
Canada and Australia are the two major lentil exporting countries in the world, but in view of the uncertain situation on the crop, the producers are not showing much interest in making advance contracts this time. Those producers who have old stock of lentils are trying to increase its sale gradually.
Lentil crop in Victoria province is 4-5 weeks behind its normal situation and its growth is now happening satisfactorily. Harvesting of the new crop may start late there. If there is more rainfall than the normal average during the spring season, then the late sown crop may benefit.
Harvesting of lentil crop starts in October. The crop is in better condition in South Australia province. Here in India, basic customs duty of 10 percent is applicable on the import of lentils.