Strong Farmer Interest in Lentil Cultivation Expected in Australia

14-Oct-2025 05:08 PM

Brisbane. Lentil cultivation in Australia is generating attractive incomes, which not only maintains interest among traditional farmers but may also encourage new producers to try it.

This year, lentil cultivation area and production are expected to reach new record levels. Lentil cultivation has already reached a peak of 1.14 million hectares, while total production is expected to exceed 1.8 million tons, a new record high.

Lentil cultivation covers a large area in South Australia and Victoria. According to the government agency ABARES, record areas of lentil cultivation have been achieved in these two states, as well as in New South Wales, during the current year.

A comparative analysis of sowing and production over the past five years clearly shows the difference. According to the ABARES report, compared to the 2020-21 season, lentil production is projected to increase from 200 tonnes to 1,100 tonnes in Queensland, from 11,200 tonnes to 90,000 tonnes in New South Wales,

from 457,000 tonnes to 750,000 tonnes in Victoria, from 380,000 tonnes to 845,000 tonnes in South Australia, from 5500 tonnes to 21,000 tonnes in Western Australia, and from 854,000 tonnes to 170,070,000 tonnes across Australia.

Lentil production area in Australia also increased from 0.5 million hectares to 1.136 million hectares during the period under review. Favorable weather conditions are expected to improve the average crop yield.

This significant increase in production will increase exportable lentil stocks, exacerbating Canada's challenges. Australia exports a large quantity of lentils to India and sporadic arrivals of the new crop have begun.