A robust pulse harvest in Australia has increased market uncertainty

23-Oct-2025 08:06 PM

Brisbane. While the pace of harvesting the new crop is accelerating in Australia's major pulse-producing states, weak demand from importing countries has created uncertainty in market prices.

Crop conditions in the northern part of the country are satisfactory, and there are indications that chickpea and faba bean yields in this region will be better than the normal average. Meanwhile, lentil harvesting has begun in the southern part, where crop conditions are reported to be mixed.

However, prices for all three pulses are softening. Lentils face stiff competition from Canada, Indian demand for chickpeas is weak, and Egyptian importers are showing limited interest in purchasing faba beans.

Given weak market prices, Australian pulse producers are not rushing to sell their stocks. Compared to last year, less inventory is arriving in the market.

Instead, barley, canola, and sorghum remain more attractive options for farmers for immediate sale, as their prices are relatively higher.

As for Desi Chickpea, the wholesale price for November-December delivery in the Brisbane market is currently hovering around 600 Australian dollars (Aus$) per tonne, a $30 drop from last month. Chickpea harvesting is expected to pick up significantly in many areas by the end of this month.

The crop is in good condition, and yields are expected to improve. However, market prices remain stagnant, and producers are unhappy.

Chickpea prices in producer markets are reported to be $500-510 per tonne, almost half of last year's level. Last year, due to strong demand from India, chickpea prices skyrocketed to very high levels.

According to analysts, producers may be storing large stocks of chickpea on their farms this time. They expect prices to rise slightly in the future, which could reduce selling pressure.