Chickpea Acreage Expected to Remain Normal Nationwide

28-Nov-2025 08:54 PM

New Delhi. Overall chickpea acreage is expected to remain normal during the current Rabi season in the country's top five producing states - Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat. Acreage under cultivation may decline slightly in Madhya Pradesh, but a slight increase in cultivation in other states will balance this out.

Rahul Chauhan, Director of iGrain India, says that chickpea acreage will remain roughly normal in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, while it may face competition from mustard in Rajasthan and wheat in Madhya Pradesh.

Chickpea acreage is likely to decline slightly in Madhya Pradesh as farmers in the Bundelkhand region may prioritize wheat cultivation over chickpea. A final additional bonus is likely to be provided to farmers in Madhya Pradesh above the minimum support price (MSP) for wheat. If announced during the sowing season, wheat acreage could increase.

It is noteworthy that the Central Government has increased the minimum support price of gram to Rs 5875 per quintal for the 2025-26 season, whereas its wholesale price in major markets is between Rs 5500-5800 per quintal. The price of gram imported from Australia is also being reported to be Rs 5400-5525 per quintal.

According to official data, till 21 November 2025, the total production area of ​​gram at the national level has increased to 53.71 lakh hectares, which is 4.41 lakh hectares more than the sowing area of ​​49.30 lakh hectares in the same period last year.