News Capsule: Australian Pulse Planting Estimated Near 3.5 Million Hectares
26-May-2026 10:32 AM
News Capsule: Australian Pulse Planting Estimated Near 3.5 Million Hectares
★ Australia’s pulse planting area for the current season is estimated at around 3.5 million hectares, covering chickpeas, lentils, lupins, peas and faba beans. This is 0.7 percent higher than last year and about 42.3 percent above the five-year average.
★ India continues to remain the biggest “swing factor” in the global pulse market. Markets had expected India to raise import duties on pulses by late 2025, and this possibility had already been factored into prices. However, no major change in import duties has been implemented by the Indian government so far.
★ Global pulse acreage is expected to expand this season, although the pace of growth may remain slower compared to last year.
Concerns are also rising over the developing El Niño weather pattern, which could increase the risk of lower yields across Australia’s east coast and South Asia.
★ Despite production-related risks, global pulse prices are expected to remain range-bound for now.
Weak currencies in importing countries, rising freight costs and reduced purchasing power are being seen as the key factors limiting demand.