India Chickpeas Market- Trend Analysis & Forecasts

India holds a dominant position in the global chickpeas market, contributing over **% to the world’s production. India chickpeas demand reached ** thousand tonnes in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of **% from 2025 to 2030. Driven by increasing domestic demand, changing dietary habits, and robust export potential, the chickpeas market in India is poised for steady growth through 2030. However, the market faces challenges from climate dependency and supply chain inefficiencies. With government support and innovations in cultivation practices, India’s chickpeas market is expected to maintain upward momentum, especially as global interest in plant-based protein rises.

Market/ Product Overview

India’s chickpeas market is among the largest and most significant segments of the country’s pulses industry. Chickpeas, primarily categorized into Desi and Kabuli varieties, are a staple in Indian households and essential in cuisines across regions. The country produced ** million tonnes of chickpeas in 2023–24, accounting for more than 65% of global output. The major producing states include Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

Chickpeas also known as garbanzo beans, are consumed widely in various forms—whole, split, and ground into gram flour (besan), which is used in snacks and food processing. With increasing awareness around plant-based proteins and rising health consciousness, chickpeas have found enhanced relevance in urban and export markets.

The Indian government supports chickpea cultivation under schemes like the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) and Minimum Support Price (MSP) programs. MSP for chickpeas in 2024–25 was set at ₹5,440 per quintal, ensuring price assurance for farmers.

However, market volatility persists due to climate factors, notably unseasonal rains and rising temperatures. Despite these challenges, the domestic and international demand continues to drive growth. India also imports small quantities of Kabuli variety during shortfalls to meet processing and export demand.

With growing investments in supply chain infrastructure and improved agricultural practices, India’s chickpeas market is projected to grow at a CAGR of **% during the 2025–2030 forecast period, with significant potential in value-added and export segments.

India Significance in the Global Chickpeas Supply

India is the cornerstone of the global chickpeas supply chain, contributing over two-thirds of global chickpeas production and playing a dual role as both a major producer and consumer. Globally, chickpeas are cultivated in over 50 countries, but none match India’s scale, especially for the Desi variety. Indian chickpeas also feed into global demand for gram flour, an essential ingredient in many Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines.

India’s strategic importance is heightened by its ability to serve as both a buffer and stabilizer in international trade. In years of surplus, India exports chickpeas primarily to Bangladesh, Pakistan, the UAE, Sri Lanka, and Algeria, strengthening its role in South-South trade. When global prices rise, India’s domestic production offers a cushion to importing nations.

India’s vast domestic market, government price support mechanisms, and organized procurement systems (like NAFED) ensure consistency and supply reliability. Moreover, India is pivotal in setting the global price trend for Desi chickpeas due to its market size.

India also influences the Kabuli variety trade, especially during years of production shortfalls in countries like Mexico or Turkey. Overall, India’s chickpeas market is integral to ensuring global pulse security.

India Chickpeas Supply & Demand Trend

India’s chickpeas production has witnessed a robust upward trend over the past decade, with the 2023–24 output estimated at ** million tonnes, up from around ** million tonnes in 2014–15. This growth can be attributed to both increased acreage and higher productivity, driven by government support, high-yielding seed varieties, and mechanized practices.

The primary season for chickpea cultivation is the Rabi (winter) season, sown post-monsoon and harvested between February and April. Madhya Pradesh, the leading producer, contributes over **% of the national output, followed by Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

Over the years, improvements in irrigation, adoption of climate-resilient varieties, and extension services have enabled farmers to achieve yields of around 1,000–1,200 kg per hectare. In regions with assured irrigation and quality inputs, yields can exceed 1,400 kg/ha.

India’s chickpea production is, however, vulnerable to climatic fluctuations. For example, in 2021–22, unseasonal rainfall and early summer heat impacted yields in several states. Despite these risks, overall production has shown resilience.

The government's Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been a significant driver, along with input subsidies and crop insurance under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana. Private companies and cooperatives have also started playing a role by providing better seeds, warehousing, and market linkages.

Looking ahead, India's chickpeas production is expected to grow moderately, reaching nearly ** million tonnes by 2030, supported by mechanization, crop rotation practices, and increasing area under pulses.

Chickpeas enjoy a strong demand base in India, rooted deeply in culinary traditions and growing urban consumption. Domestic demand for chickpeas is estimated at ** million tonnes annually, encompassing direct household consumption, food processing, and institutional buyers like the HoReCa sector.

The largest share of consumption is in the form of Desi chickpeas, used whole or split (chana dal) in daily meals. Additionally, gram flour (besan) derived from chickpeas forms the backbone of India’s snacks and sweets industry, especially in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.

Urbanization, dietary shifts towards plant proteins, and the popularity of ready-to-eat and convenience food items have elevated chickpea consumption. Companies producing besan-based products, protein-rich snacks, and vegan foods have also increased their demand for quality chickpeas.

The HoReCa segment and institutional buyers, including public distribution systems, contribute significantly to bulk demand. Initiatives like mid-day meal programs and anganwadi schemes incorporate chickpeas as protein sources.

Moreover, growing consumer awareness about the health benefits of chickpeas, such as high protein, fiber, and low glycemic index, has contributed to a demand uptick.

With India’s population projected to touch ** billion by 2030, and per capita pulse consumption increasing from ** kg to ** kg annually, the domestic demand for chickpeas is projected to reach **–** million tonnes by 2030. However, this surge will necessitate matching improvements in logistics, warehousing, and processing capacities.

Market Growth Factors

The garbanzo beans market in India is driven by a confluence of structural, nutritional, and economic factors that are likely to sustain growth through 2030. Firstly, the demographic dividend—marked by a large and growing population—has created an expanding base for pulses consumption. Chickpeas, being versatile and protein-rich, are increasingly favored across age groups and dietary patterns. Secondly, India’s economic growth and urbanization have shifted food preferences toward convenient, healthy, and processed foods. This trend has catalyzed the demand for besan and other chickpea derivatives.

Another key driver is the government’s policy support. Programs such as National Food Security Mission (NFSM) and PM-KISAN provide farmers with subsidies, quality seeds, and access to markets. The Minimum Support Price (MSP) also incentivizes cultivation and ensures income stability for growers. This consistent policy backing has encouraged farmers to expand acreage and invest in improved practices.

On the industrial front, chickpeas are gaining prominence in plant-based and functional food segments, where they are used in protein powders, gluten-free snacks, and meat substitutes. Rising consumer awareness regarding plant-based protein and sustainable agriculture is boosting demand in both domestic and export markets.

Further, improved supply chain linkages—including digital mandis, private procurement platforms, and better post-harvest infrastructure—have enhanced market access and transparency. With the government's focus on doubling farmers' incomes and boosting agri-exports, chickpeas are positioned as a high-potential crop.

Lastly, the integration of contract farming, agri-startups, and digital traceability tools is expected to reduce inefficiencies and improve quality consistency, thereby strengthening market confidence and demand.

India Chickpeas Market Restraints & Challenges

The India Chickpeas market faces significant challenges, including limited arable land and fluctuating climatic conditions that impact production. Erratic monsoons and water scarcity hinder consistent yield, posing a risk to supply stability. Additionally, the dependence on imports makes the market vulnerable to international trade policies and price fluctuations. High import duties and non-tariff barriers can further escalate costs, impacting consumer affordability. The lack of advanced storage and transportation infrastructure results in post-harvest losses, adding to the market’s constraints.

India Chickpeas Industry: Supply Chain Constraints and Value Chain Challenges

Despite its strengths, the Indian chickpeas market faces several structural and environmental challenges. The crop is heavily dependent on favorable weather during the Rabi season, making it vulnerable to unseasonal rainfall, droughts, and temperature spikes. Such climatic unpredictability affects yields and, consequently, market prices.

Storage and post-harvest losses remain a persistent issue, with nearly **% of the produce affected by inadequate warehousing and pest infestations. The fragmented market structure, coupled with fluctuating MSP implementation across states, also creates regional price disparities.

Moreover, inconsistent quality standards hinder India's ability to compete globally, particularly in premium Kabuli segments where countries like Mexico dominate. Export competitiveness is further challenged by high freight costs, long customs clearance, and occasional export restrictions during inflationary periods.

The lack of structured forward contracts or futures mechanisms limits price discovery and farmer confidence. Addressing these challenges will require coordinated efforts across logistics, finance, policy, and climate adaptation.

India Chickpeas Supply Chain Bottlenecks/Challenges

India’s chickpeas supply chain, although extensive, is riddled with inefficiencies that hinder market optimization. At the farm level, aggregation is a challenge due to small landholdings and poor access to mechanization, especially among marginal farmers. Lack of standardized grading and sorting practices affects quality and fetches lower prices.

Post-harvest, inadequate storage infrastructure and cold chain facilities contribute to significant quantity and quality losses. Most farmers rely on local traders and APMC mandis for sales, which limits their market reach and negotiation power.

The processing sector, particularly for besan, is fragmented and lacks scale efficiencies. Traceability and food safety standards are not uniformly followed, creating roadblocks for exports to regulated markets like the EU and the US.

Moreover, logistical constraints such as poor rural road connectivity, congested market yards, and delays in rail freight contribute to cost inflation. Solving these bottlenecks requires investment in infrastructure, digitization, and supply chain transparency.

India Influence on Global Chickpeas Prices

India holds significant pricing power in the global chickpeas market, particularly for Desi chickpeas. Due to its overwhelming share in production and consumption, domestic supply dynamics directly impact global prices. When India reports a bumper harvest, global Desi prices soften; conversely, crop shortfalls lead to upward price movement across importing nations.

Additionally, the Indian government’s MSP acts as a benchmark for domestic trade and indirectly influences international contracts. Exporters from competing nations, such as Australia and Myanmar, often align their prices based on India’s domestic pricing trends.

However, India’s price-setting power is more limited in the Kabuli chickpeas market, where Mexico, Turkey, and the USA dominate. Nonetheless, India's dual role as producer and importer gives it critical leverage.

Chickpeas prices in India have witnessed notable fluctuations over the past decade. Wholesale prices of Desi chickpeas have ranged between ₹** and ₹** per quintal since 2015, with peaks observed in 2016 and 2021 due to production shortfalls. In 2024, average mandi prices stood around ₹** per quintal, closely aligned with the MSP.

Export prices of Kabuli chickpeas, which depend on size and quality, have hovered between US$ ** to US$ ** per ton. Global prices firm up during Indian off-seasons or when Mexican output falters.

Import prices, particularly from Myanmar and Ethiopia, have been volatile, influenced by currency fluctuations and shipping costs. Domestic prices are generally higher than imports due to quality perception and local sourcing preferences.

These historical trends underline the need for better forecasting, storage, and hedging instruments to stabilize pricing and farmer income.

India Chickpeas Market Segmentation Analysis

The Indian chickpeas market can be segmented on the basis of variety, form, end-use, and region.

By variety, the market is divided into Desi and Kabuli chickpeas. Desi chickpeas account for over **% of domestic production and are characterized by their small, dark-colored grains and thick seed coat. They are mostly used for direct consumption and processing into dal and besan. Kabuli chickpeas, larger and cream-colored, are mostly exported and cater to high-end food and snack markets.

By count, chickpeas consumption varies by count size, which significantly impacts end use and pricing. Desi chickpeas, typically smaller in size (counts above 60), dominate domestic consumption, especially in the form of split dal and besan. These are widely used in daily cooking and traditional Indian snacks. Kabuli chickpeas, larger in size (typically 38/40, 42/44, 58/60 counts), are consumed more in urban areas, premium households, and by the HoReCa segment. The 42/44 and 44/46 count sizes are preferred for hummus, canned food, and ready-to-eat applications. Larger sizes like 38/40, though limited in volume, are used for export markets and high-end retail. While smaller count Kabuli (58/60) is often used for roasting and snack manufacturing, medium-sized Kabuli (44/46, 46/48) remains the most consumed in value-added processing. Overall, lower count (larger size) Kabuli chickpeas see higher demand in processed and export formats, while higher count (smaller size) Desi chickpeas meet staple food and flour requirements.

By form, the market includes whole chickpeas, split (dal), flour (besan), and processed products. Besan commands a strong industrial and retail presence, used in snacks, bakery, and ready-to-cook mixes. The demand for roasted and spiced chickpeas is growing, especially in the packaged snack segment.

In terms of end-use, chickpeas are consumed across households, food service sectors (HoReCa), food processing units, and public distribution schemes. Households remain the largest consumers, followed by institutional users and processors.

Regionally, demand and production are concentrated in central and western India, with Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan being top producers. However, northern and eastern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar also contribute significantly to consumption.

With rising health awareness and vegan trends, the urban and export segments for Kabuli chickpeas and high-protein processed products are growing. Meanwhile, demand for Desi chickpeas remains strong across rural and semi-urban areas.

The segmentation insights reveal both volume-driven and value-driven segments, offering different strategic opportunities to growers, processors, and marketers.

India Chickpeas Trade (Export & Import) Trend

India’s position as the leading chickpeas producer globally enables it to participate actively in the trade landscape. However, India's trade strategy in chickpeas is nuanced, shaped by domestic consumption needs and global supply-demand shifts.

Exports of chickpeas—particularly the Kabuli variety—are routed to Bangladesh, Pakistan, the UAE, Algeria, Sri Lanka, and Saudi Arabia. In FY2024, India exported over ** million tonnes, valued at US$ ** million. Kabuli chickpeas, being larger and lighter in color, command a premium and are preferred in overseas markets.

However, exports are closely regulated and may face temporary restrictions during domestic shortages. The Desi variety, though less exported in raw form, is often shipped as processed flour (besan) or split dal.

Imports, on the other hand, occur primarily during lean production years. India imports from Myanmar, Australia, Mexico, Ethiopia, and occasionally Turkey, mostly to stabilize prices or fulfill specific quality and size-based demands of Kabuli chickpeas.

Trade is also influenced by duty structures, phytosanitary norms, and bilateral agreements. Any change in import policy or MSP levels can significantly impact trade volumes.

Going forward, India is expected to maintain its dominant export position, particularly as demand grows for value-added and organic chickpea products.

India Chickpeas Market Competitive Analysis

The Indian chickpeas market is characterized by a mix of organized processing players, exporters, government procurement agencies, cooperatives, and unorganized traders. The market remains highly fragmented at the farm-gate level but is gradually seeing consolidation in processing and value addition.

NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) and FCI (Food Corporation of India) are major players in procurement and buffer stock maintenance under the MSP regime. These agencies directly influence price stabilization and supply interventions during shortages or surplus conditions.

On the private sector front, established players such as ITC, Shakti Bhog, Patanjali, Fortune (Adani Wilmar), and Hathi Brand have strong brands in besan and chickpea-based snacks. Their nationwide distribution and processing capabilities offer scale and product innovation.

In the export domain, companies like Jain Group, Raj Exim, Mangalam Agro, and GRM Overseas specialize in high-quality Kabuli chickpeas. These firms cater to both bulk and retail customers abroad, often under private labels or international certifications.

Emerging players—especially agri-tech startups and contract farming enterprises—are beginning to reshape procurement, traceability, and logistics. These innovations are enabling more efficient and transparent supply chains and better price realization for farmers.

Despite progress, the unorganized sector continues to dominate local trade, particularly in APMC mandis. The competitive landscape is evolving toward greater formalization, driven by quality standards, consumer expectations, and export compliance requirements.

List of Key Companies (Suppliers/ Processor/ Exporters),

■ ITC Limited
■ Adani Wilmar (Fortune)
■ Patanjali Ayurved
■ Shakti Bhog Foods Ltd.
■ Hathi Brand (Sitaram Foods)
■ GRM Overseas Ltd.
■ Raj Exim India
■ Jain Irrigation/Agro Division
■ Mangalam Agro
■ AgroPure Group
■ VKC Nuts
■ Sattvic Foods
■ Earth Expo Company
■ Pristine Organics

Future Outlook

The India chickpeas market is on a steady growth path, driven by rising health-conscious consumption, increasing exports, and policy support for pulses. By 2030, the market is expected to reach over ** million tonnes in production and nearly ₹80,000 crore in market value. Technological integration, improved warehousing, and value-added product development will shape the next phase of growth. The export potential for Kabuli chickpeas and processed products remains strong. However, addressing climate risk, input cost pressures, and logistics challenges will be crucial to sustain momentum. India is well-positioned to remain the global hub for chickpeas innovation and trade.