Potential Downward Pressure on Chickpea Prices Ahead

Mumbai. Domestic market prices for chickpeas (chana) are likely to face downward pressure following the conclusion of festive season demand, compounded by the continued sale of stocks from government reserves. Meanwhile, yellow peas are relatively cheaper, and imports from abroad are also arriving. New-season chickpea arrivals have commenced in Australia, while sowing for this pulse crop has begun in India.

For the second consecutive week, chickpea prices have declined in major agricultural markets (mandis). The government agency NAFED has accepted lower bids for its chickpea stocks; while earlier sales tenders attracted higher price bids, buyers are now offering lower rates, shifting market sentiment. Prices for split chickpeas (chana dal) have also softened, discouraging millers and processors from purchasing raw chickpeas at higher price points.

Reports indicate that a consignment of 121,132 tonnes of yellow peas from Canada is arriving at Mundra Port across four vessels. Notably, chickpea imports for the eight-month period from January to August 2026 fell to 655,000 tonnes—a 44% decrease compared to the 1.18 million tonnes imported during the same period in 2025. As of October 23, the area sown with chickpeas has reached only 221,000 hectares, which is 41% lower than the 377,000 hectares recorded during the same period last year.