Normal Demand for Pea Exports – Concerns Mount Over Massive Lentil Stocks

01-Jun-2026 04:14 PM

Vancouver. While Canada's export performance for lentils and peas remains satisfactory, the existence of massive stocks of red lentils—resulting from bumper production—has emerged as a primary cause for concern among farmers.

Despite some limited activity from Chinese importers last week, global market prices for peas remained largely stable. Weather conditions in several key pea-producing regions of Canada are currently unfavorable for the crop, and the pace of sowing is observed to be slower than that of the previous year. Nevertheless, farmers are continuing with their pea sowing activities.

According to industry analysts, several European nations have recently experienced extreme weather conditions. Temperatures in most parts of the continent have surged to record-breaking levels, a development that could have a profoundly adverse impact on both the yield rates and quality of the pea crop.

Consequently, imports of peas—along with other pulses—are expected to rise in Europe this year. As far as India is concerned, the third advance estimate for pulse production during the 2025-26 season—officially released by the government—has surprised the global market; however,

it has not caused alarm, as the primary concern lies with the potential impact on production during the subsequent 2026-27 season. This year, influenced by the El Niño weather cycle, the Southwest Monsoon is likely to be weak; this could lead to uncertain and erratic rainfall patterns, as well as an uneven distribution of precipitation.

Although peas and lentils in India are primarily produced during the *Rabi* season—and the harvest for these crops has already been completed—should the production of *Arhar* (Tur) and *Urad* pulses be adversely affected during the upcoming *Kharif* season, the likelihood of an increase in India's overall pulse imports could become a distinct possibility.