News Capsule: Weak Pigeon Pea Sowing Boosts Green Lentil Competition; Pea Market Softens, Kabuli Chickpea Remains Steady
27-Jul-2026 03:10 PM
News Capsule: Weak Pigeon Pea Sowing Boosts Green Lentil Competition; Pea Market Softens, Kabuli Chickpea Remains Steady
★ Competition among global green lentil exporters has intensified amid expectations of stronger import demand from the Indian subcontinent, driven by weak kharif pigeon pea (tur) sowing and concerns over lower production in India.
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Lower Pigeon Pea Acreage May Support Green Lentil Demand
★ The decline in pigeon pea acreage across key producing states is unlikely to be offset by gains in other regions, raising concerns that India's production could fall below last year's level.
★ As of July 17, pigeon pea acreage was more than 500,000 hectares lower than the same period last year. Total acreage is projected to decline from 4.46 million hectares to around 4.01 million hectares. If production falls accordingly, India's import requirement could increase, providing support to global green lentil demand.
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Pea Prices Ease on Weak Demand
★ The global field pea market ended the week on a softer note as short-term demand remained weak and growers continued to sell old-crop inventories ahead of the new harvest.
★ Although Saskatchewan's field pea crop is developing slightly behind its normal pace, favourable soil moisture conditions are expected to result in above-average yields.
★ However, concerns over plant diseases persist. According to Saskatchewan Agriculture, warmer and drier weather during the past week has helped improve crop development.
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Kabuli Chickpea Market Remains Stable
★ Global chickpea markets remained largely unchanged, with exporters and processors refraining from aggressive buying due to limited selling interest from growers.
★ Market participants expect demand for desi chickpeas and small-sized Kabuli chickpeas to increase for shipments through November to countries observing Ramadan, which could support export demand.
★ Meanwhile, concerns are growing over geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Any disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait could affect trade flows between Asia and Europe, potentially increasing freight costs and impacting global pulse shipments.