The price of chickpeas is influenced by factors such as demand, soil, and weather conditions, though it is worth noting the crop grows in relatively dry conditions. These factors also determine the yield and quality of crops each year.
The global chickpea market size was valued at USD$11770.06 million in 2023 and is estimated to reach USD$16141.76 million in 2030. The US Department of Agriculture’s recent report on chickpeas has highlighted Australia as the world’s largest exporter, with an export value of USD 357 million.
Chickpea prices are currently steady at $784/t as bulk exports slow down ahead of Ramadan. There is also some uncertainty around world demand due to a large chickpea crop forecast in India.
Updated monthly, price in USD/Kilo.
The chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is an annual legume of the Fabaceae family. Its different types are known as gram or Bengal gram, chhana, chana, or channa, garbanzo or garbanzo bean, or Egyptian pea. Chickpea seeds are high in protein, and it is one of the earliest cultivated legumes.
The chickpea is a key ingredient in both Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Hummus is the Arabic word for chickpea. The chickpea is also an important part of Indian cooking and is used in curries, soups and stews as well as salads.
Chickpea was first grown as a commercial crop in Australia in the 1970s in Goondiwindi, in southern Queensland, near the NSW border. Today, chickpea is grown right across the country from Queensland to South and Western Australia, but the bulk of the crop is grown north of Dubbo in New South Wales and into Queensland.
Chickpea is typically planted in early May and harvested in October.
After growing more than 2 million tonnes of the crop in 2017, Australia’s 2023 crop sat at just under 500,000 tonnes. India imposed tariffs on chickpeas in 2017 and that had a big impact on the crop. Today, Australia’s key markets are in Bangladesh and Pakistan as well as the Middle East.
There are two types of chickpeas, the desi and the kabuli, and they have different growth requirements.
Both types prefer well-drained loam to clay soils and will not grow in light-acid soil. Ideally, they are planted where the pH is in the range of 6 to 8.
The desi should be grown in areas where the annual rainfall is higher than 350 mm and the kabuli require rainfall greater than 450 mm. As mentioned, sowing is best from early May to early June, and keep in mind the kabuli matures later than the desi.
Plant density can range from 40 to 50 plants per square metre for desi and 25 to 35 for kabuli.
Don’t plant in the same paddock more frequently than on a four-year cycle and know that chickpeas are not a strong competitor against weeds.
If you’d like to learn more about other types of grain explore other pages on this site or you can read our articles.
With Grainwise, you’re never alone when it comes to navigating the chickpea market. We have a wide, established industry network of buyers and sellers. With years of experience in the pulse and legume market in Australia, we facilitate fair, stress-free transactions to benefit everyone. If you would like to find out more about how we can assist you, please get in touch with us today.
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