Dried shelled chickpeas market in India

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the dried shelled chickpea market in India stood at 11 322 thousand tons. The introduction of a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on chickpeas in July 2017 had standardized the tax framework for the product. The market volume then declined to 10 186 thousand tons in 2019.

From 2020 onward, the market entered a phase of expansion, reaching 13 391 thousand tons by 2022. This growth was primarily fueled by a sustained consumer shift toward vegetarian, vegan, and health-conscious diets, which increased demand for chickpeas as a source of plant-based protein. The trend was reinforced by the rising popularity of ethnic cuisines that use chickpeas. Although low yield issues due to climatic variability and pest vulnerability persisted, they did not halt the overall market expansion driven by strong consumption trends.

In 2023, the market volume contracted to 12 198 thousand tons. A key factor was a significant surge in exports, with India's vegetable exports—including dried leguminous vegetables—growing by 24.45% year-on-year. This increased outward shipment diverted supply from the domestic market, contributing to the reduction in available volume.

Production dried shelled chickpeas in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, India maintained the top global position in dried shelled chickpea production by volume.

Top producers of dried shelled chickpeas, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried shelled chickpeas, 2017-2020

In 2020, India produced 11,079 thousand tonnes of dried shelled chickpeas, marking a significant 11.5% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 18.1%, averaging an annualized rate of 5.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 11,379 thousand tonnes. The largest year-on-year decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 12.7%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 21.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in India in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports dried shelled chickpeas from India

Exports in kind, K t

The market displayed an unstable trend during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a threefold difference between these years. In 2020, India's dried shelled chickpea export volume was 174 thousand tonnes, showing a dramatic 41.1% rise compared to 2019. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 257 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 51.9% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 195.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, India's dried shelled chickpea exports were widely distributed across partner countries. Algeria accounted for 17.7% of exports in kind, the United Arab Emirates for 10.3%, and Sri Lanka for 8.7%. Together, these three countries represented only 36.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. Exports hit a low in 2019 and a high in 2018, with a 2.2-fold variation between these years. In 2020, dried shelled chickpea shipments from India amounted to 141 million US dollars, reflecting a steep 32.0% gain relative to the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 107 million US dollars, while the maximum was in 2018 at 237 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 55.1% decrease, and the largest increase was in 2018, at 65.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, India's dried shelled chickpea exports in value terms were supplied to a broad range of markets. Algeria contributed 19.7% of exports in value, the United Arab Emirates 9.4%, and Sri Lanka 8.3%. Combined, these three destinations accounted for only 37.4% of total export value, with many smaller markets making up the remaining 62.6%.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020

Imports dried shelled chickpeas to India

Imports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes fell to a trough in 2018 and peaked in 2017, with a 7.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, India's dried shelled chickpea import volume was 306 thousand tonnes, representing a 17.8% decrease from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 200 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with an 87.1% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 86.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for India's dried shelled chickpea imports in kind were Australia, accounting for 62.4% of imports, Tanzania at 11.0%, and Russia at 7.3%. Together, these three countries formed 80.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and their highest in 2017, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 10.3 times. In 2020, India imported 162 million US dollars worth of dried shelled chickpeas, down by 20.3% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 127 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a 90.3% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 59.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Australia played the leading role in India's dried shelled chickpea imports in value terms, accounting for 68.2%. Tanzania contributed 9.7%, and Sudan 4.9%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 82.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to India in value, 2017-2020