Signs of a huge drop in the area of pea cultivation in Canada

08-May-2025 08:18 PM

Saskatoon. Pea sowing has already begun in major producing provinces such as Saskatchewan and Alberta in the Prairie region of Western Canada. However, due to uncertainties surrounding exports to major buyers like India and China, Canadian farmers appear less enthusiastic about cultivating peas this year.

The cultivated area is trailing by nearly 16 percent compared to last year, despite earlier expectations of an increase. This shift is primarily due to changes in import tariff policies of key importing countries.

China has imposed a 100 percent import duty on Canadian peas. While there were rumors that the Chinese government might reconsider the duty, no concrete decision has emerged so far.

Regarding India, the country has allowed duty-free import of yellow peas until 31 May 2025. If this period is extended or a mild duty of 10–11 percent is applied—as is the case with gram and lentils—exports may remain viable.

However, if the earlier 50 percent import duty is reinstated after May, it would significantly impact Canadian exporters and growers.

Currently, India holds a large stockpile of imported peas from Canada and other sources such as Russia. Additionally, the prices of various pulses in India have dropped from their recent highs.

Government procurement of pulses is progressing well, and stocks of moong, lentil, and tuvar are sufficient in the central buffer. Wholesale market prices remain relatively stable.

In Canadian markets, pea prices typically soften during this part of the season. The current stock price of yellow peas is around $10.75 per bushel, while the contract price for the new crop is being quoted between $8.50 and $9.00 per bushel.

If the current sowing trend continues, there could be a sharp decline in the overall acreage and production of peas in Canada this season.