Production and export of Canadian red lentils expected to decline

04-Jun-2025 05:15 PM

Vancouver. Industry and trade analysts have projected that Canada’s red lentil production will decline from 17.30 lakh tonnes in the 2024–25 season to 15.40 lakh tonnes in 2025–26, while exports are also expected to shrink by 5 percent to 13.30 lakh tonnes.

According to experts, the estimated output of 15.40 lakh tonnes is considered moderate. While weather conditions were favourable until the end of May, signs of drought have recently emerged. The sowing area for red lentils is estimated to increase slightly by 1 percent to 26 lakh acres.

Analysts emphasize that favourable weather is more critical than area sown when it comes to red lentil yields. In recent years, unpredictable weather has prevented expected gains in Canadian lentil production.

Meanwhile, in the Black Sea region, lentil cultivation has expanded in Russia and Kazakhstan. Combined production in these two countries is expected to reach 8 lakh tonnes—an increase of about 2 lakh tonnes over last year’s 6 lakh tonnes. Red and green lentil varieties are likely to contribute equally to this total.

In Turkey, red lentil production is estimated at 4 lakh tonnes, though the Turkish Statistical Institute has forecast a lower output of 3.40 lakh tonnes—16 percent less than last year.

Turkey both imports and exports lentils. While the new crop is currently arriving in Turkish markets, sowing is still underway in Canada and Australia.