Desi Chickpea Industry Awaits Import Period Decision

24-Feb-2025 01:12 PM

Desi Chickpea Industry Awaits Import Period Decision
★ The import deadline for chickpeas is set to expire on March 31, 2025. The industry anticipates that the government may extend it for another year.
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Desi Chickpeas: Increased Imports or Protection?
★ At the Pulses 2025 Conclave organized by IPGA, the minister stated that the government will decide on chickpea imports only after analyzing various factors.
★ The decision will be based on domestic production and foreign import conditions.
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Production & Import Scenario
★ Domestic production of desi chickpeas is estimated to be 80-90 lakh tons in 2025.
★ By January 2025, India had imported around 10.57 lakh tons, mainly from Australia.
★ Australia produced over 20 lakh tons of chickpeas, out of which 12 lakh tons have already been exported.
★ Demand remains high in Pakistan and Bangladesh due to Ramadan.
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Indian Market Situation
★ In Delhi, chickpea prices rose by Rs. 50 per quintal in early February, reaching Rs. 6,050-6,075 per quintal.
★ New crop arrivals have begun in some states, and the crop condition is good.
★ The MSP for the current season was raised by Rs. 210 to Rs. 5,650 per quintal.
★ Market prices are slightly above MSP, but increased supply from new crops and imports may put pressure on prices.
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Government Procurement & Buffer Stock
★ The government is expected to increase procurement this year due to low buffer stock. This is a good opportunity to rebuild reserves.
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Will the Import Period Be Extended?
★ i-Grain believes there is a strong possibility of extending the import deadline.
★ If the deadline is extended, prices may fall, but if imports are restricted, markets may remain strong.
★ All eyes are on the government's next decision, which will shape the chickpea market.