Chickpea Market Update 28.04.26

Chickpea Markets Under Pressure as Demand Stays Weak

The Indian chickpea market is currently experiencing a period of weakness, with subdued demand weighing heavily on prices. Although the harvest is now underway, buying interest remains limited across many regions, preventing any meaningful uplift in domestic momentum.

In Maharashtra, prices have fallen noticeably in recent weeks. The decline is largely attributed to a lack of purchasing activity, as traders remain cautious and end-user demand is slow to materialise. Overall trading volumes are thin, with many markets seeing little to no demand and only sporadic sales.

Adding to the cautious sentiment, cold storage facilities in Delhi are reportedly holding larger inventories. These elevated stocks are prompting traders to adopt a defensive stance, further dampening activity in the sport market. Despite these domestic challenges, international markets are offering some price support. Export values have strengthened by around $10 per metric tonne over the past week, pushing FOB India prices for chickpeas (12 mm) to approximately $1,170/mt.

Tight Supply Offers Some Price Support

While demand remains weak, supply-side concerns are providing a degree of underlying support. Delayed sowing and unfavourable weather conditions have raised questions over the new crop, and current expectations suggest overall production may come in slightly below earlier projections.

The situation is more nuanced for Kabuli chickpeas. Deliveries are ongoing but remain at moderate levels, and volumes are clearly lagging behind last year’s figures. This comparatively tight supply is helping to limit downside risk and prevent sharper price declines.

That said, recent price movements have varied by quality. Medium-grade Kabuli chickpeas have softened marginally, while lower grades are showing a more pronounced downward trend. According to local traders, however, further significant corrections appear unlikely in the near term, as selling pressure remains limited and supplies are not excessive.

Canadian Market Remains Stable

In contrast to India, the Canadian chickpea market continues to display relative stability. Demand is holding up well, particularly for large-sized, good-quality chickpeas. Prices for the old crop are largely unchanged, while new-crop values are slightly lower, pointing to a market that is broadly firm but with a softer undertone.

Supply across the main North American growing regions remains ample. Both Canada and the United States are expected to carry forward sizable stocks of lower-quality chickpeas into the next season. These overhangs are weighing most heavily on the feed segment, where prices are under notable pressure, according to the latest assessment from Rayglen Commodities.