Market Snapshot for Global and Indian Chickpeas

International chickpea markets have been more or less stable in recent weeks mainly because of seasonally light trading activity. Indian chickpeas markets were steady to firm during the week ended Dec 18. Reserved selling mood persisted among domestic market participants while moderate spot demand was noted throughout the week.

Pricing of Chana is unlikely to improve much in coming weeks due to stiff competition from cheaper availability of green vegetables. Generally during winters vegetable prices are lower due to which traders of Chana find it difficult to price the product higher. The traded offers of Superior grades of Chana at Lawrence Road Mandi averaged between Rs.4875/qtl and Rs 4950/qtl during the week just ended.  

For Russia the October month was impressive for the exporters as the overseas sales increased versus September month. As per the data available from Federal Customs Service of Russia, October shipments totaled 50,498 metric tons (MT), up 29% from the previous month's total of 39,156. But year on year (comparing October 2020 and October 2019 export figures) the exports are running lower at 306,923 MT, from 323,826. The statistics also showed India was largest buyers with 32,116 MT in the month. Pakistan was the second largest buyer receiving 8,175 MT, followed by Turkey at 7,207 MT. 

Likewise Australian Chickpeas exports were better in the month of November when compared with October. The available data from Australia Bureau of Statistics reports shows that November month exports for the month had reached 42,278 metric tons (MT), up from 25,530 MT the previous month. However the exports so far are down 5% and so far the sales have reached 351,227 MT to the overseas destinations. Australia Bureau of Statistics data also showed that Bangladesh was largest purchaser taking 15,977 MT. Pakistan was the second most leading buyer with 8,370 MT, followed by Nepal at 5,936 MT. 

For North America there are expectations of domestic consumption to remain strong in forthcoming weeks, due growing number of consumers looking for foods they perceive as healthier and more environmentally friendly. Participants remain vigilant over the production outlook of India’s Kabuli type chickpeas. Market will be also looking for production prospects of Australian Chickpeas. As there is a higher possibility for massive increase in Australian Desi chickpea types, the chances of competition between small caliber and desi chickpeas are more for the North American exporters.  

Overall the global market participants remain optimistic about trading activity to improve during the first quarter of 2021 because Ramadan begins in April this year and usually purchases of pulses increase during this period. There will be interest amongst exporters to evaluate the planting area of Chickpeas in Pakistan and India, since the quantum of imports from these nations shall depend largely on the area sown during the Rabi season. Currently sowing area of chickpeas is expected to increase significantly in Pakistan and India both.