Lentil production in Canada is expected to decline slightly

24-Feb-2025 08:58 PM

The outlook for Canada's lentil production is slightly down for the 2025-26 season, despite an increase in the sowing area.

The total area planted with lentils is expected to rise from 17.04 lakh hectares in the 2024-25 season to 17.25 lakh hectares.

However, this increase in area will be offset by a potential drop in average yield, which is anticipated to remain steady at 1.44 tonnes per hectare.

As a result, Canada's lentil production is expected to decrease from 24.31 lakh tonnes in 2024-25 to 23.85 lakh tonnes in 2025-26.

While the sowing season has not yet started (it will begin in April), estimates suggest that total lentil availability in Canada for the 2025-26 marketing season could reach 28 lakh tonnes, taking into account the previous carryover stock of 3.40 lakh tonnes, 23.85 lakh tonnes of production, and possible imports of 75,000 tonnes.

Out of this total availability, about 22 lakh tonnes are expected to be exported, and 2.65 lakh tonnes are expected to be used domestically, leaving a surplus of 3.25 lakh tonnes by the end of the season.

For the current marketing season, 2024-25, Canada's lentil availability is projected to reach 27.26 lakh tonnes, including 24.31 lakh tonnes of production, 1.65 lakh tonnes of carryover stock, and 1 lakh tonne of imports.

Of this, around 21 lakh tonnes are expected to be exported, and 2.66 lakh tonnes will be used domestically, with a surplus stock of 3.40 lakh tonnes at the end of the season.

The Ministry of Agriculture expects lentil prices to remain stable at around $835 per tonne in 2024-25, a decrease from the peak price of $1000 per tonne in 2023-24, which was driven by a severe drought that limited production