Lentil prices soften due to weak demand in Canada

05-Jun-2025 01:33 PM

Vancouver. In Canada, one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of lentils, the sowing process is nearly complete, but concerns are growing due to a lack of rain, strong dry winds, and rising temperatures. Experts warn that most lentil-producing regions are in urgent need of substantial rainfall. Without timely rain, the progress and eventual yield of the crop remain at serious risk.

Buyer interest is shifting from the existing stock to the upcoming new crop, narrowing the price gap between the two. For instance, the current stock of red lentils is priced at 32 cents per pound (Rs. 26.50 per kg), while new crop contracts are at 30 cents per pound (Rs. 24.85 per kg). Similarly, large green lentils from existing stock are selling at 45 cents per pound (Rs. 3,730 per quintal), and new crop prices are at 42 cents per pound (Rs. 3,485 per quintal). For small green lentils, the price of existing stock is 39 cents per pound (Rs. 3,230 per quintal), and the new crop is at 36 cents per pound (Rs. 2,980 per quintal). These figures are based on the exchange rate of Rs. 82.80 per US dollar.

In Canada, harvesting of the new lentil crop usually begins in August-September, while advance purchase contracts are typically initiated from April-May. Although sowing has been completed, the crop remains under stress due to adverse weather. Despite the looming risk of production decline, prices are currently soft or stable, and producers are finding it difficult to sell their stocks at profitable rates. A significant fall in red lentil output is likely if the weather does not improve soon.