Lentil production in Australia is expected to increase by more than 5 lakh tonnes

04-Jun-2025 01:37 PM

Brisbane. Last year, Australia's lentil crop suffered significant damage due to drought and fog, resulting in a sharp decline in yield and total production. While there is not much expansion expected in the area under lentil cultivation this year, production is likely to increase significantly if average yield levels are achieved. Based on current estimates, lentil production in Australia is expected to rise to 16.90 lakh tonnes in the 2025-26 season, which is 5.30 lakh tonnes more than the 11.60 lakh tonnes produced in the 2024-25 season. Lentil exports from Australia are also projected to nearly double, reaching 15-16 lakh tonnes.

Currently, dry weather conditions persist in the major producing states of Victoria and South Australia, and critical growing areas are in dire need of rainfall. Producers remain concerned due to the ongoing dry spell. According to analysts, it is still early in the crop cycle and weather patterns could shift several times before the harvest begins. The months of July and August are expected to play a crucial role in determining the final output of the lentil crop.

In the previous season, farmers were initially optimistic about a strong harvest, but the absence of rain from July to September 2024, along with frost and dense fog, severely impacted the crop, causing a sharp drop in production and exportable surplus. The sowing of lentils in Australia is now nearing completion, and the crop is progressing through various developmental stages. Harvesting of the new crop is scheduled to begin in October-November. India remains one of the largest importers of Australian lentils.