Leguminous vegetables market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh leguminous vegetables in Southern Asia expanded from 8 268 thousand tons in 2018 to 8 767 thousand tons by 2020. This growth was underpinned by state-owned agricultural initiatives under India's Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, which supported horticulture production. The significant growth in exports of dried leguminous vegetables, with a CAGR of 111% over four years, indicated rising global demand and expanded production capacity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions prompted a focus on improving cold storage and logistics, while heightened health awareness increased consumer preference for fresh and organic vegetables, sustaining market volume.

Market growth accelerated from 2021, reaching 10 255 thousand tons by 2023. The entry of new players, including e-commerce platforms and online grocery delivery services, significantly expanded market reach and consumer access. Technological advancements in cold storage and transportation improved product shelf life and quality, supporting larger volumes. Growing consumer demand for organic and locally sourced produce, coupled with increased penetration of organized retail and supermarkets, further drove consumption. Despite rising input costs for fertilizers and natural gas, the adoption of precision agriculture and data-driven farming practices enhanced yields, allowing production to keep pace with demand.

In 2024, continued developments shape the market landscape, including government initiatives to reduce plastic packaging in fresh produce retail and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) enforcing revised food product standards and licensing thresholds, which affect market access. Technological innovations such as AI-powered sorting and grading are being adopted to improve efficiency, while global geopolitical tensions and freight disruptions present challenges for import costs and supply chain reliability. Sustained growth in exports from India, supported by government promotion and improved logistics, indicates ongoing external demand.

Production leguminous vegetables in Southern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of leguminous vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of leguminous vegetables, 2017-2020

Southern Asia's production of leguminous vegetables has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 8 787 thousand tonnes, marking a moderate year-on-year increase of 3.7%. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 11.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.6%.

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

Exports leguminous vegetables from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced significant volatility during this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, showing a 4.5-fold increase between these years. In 2020, Southern Asia exported 20 518 tonnes of leguminous vegetables, representing a modest 3.4% rise from the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 26 987 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 26.5%, while the most substantial increase was in 2018, surging by 346.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates were the primary destinations for exports in kind, together accounting for 84.7% of total flows. Other trading partners each held significantly smaller shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed considerable volatility over these years. Export values hit their lowest in 2017 and reached a peak in 2019, with a 4.3-fold increase between these points. In 2020, Southern Asia's leguminous vegetables export value stood at 9 665 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 23.6% decrease compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 12 646 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 302.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Asia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar—collectively represented 79.0% of the total export value of leguminous vegetables from Southern Asia.

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

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

Imports leguminous vegetables to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Import volumes fell to their lowest point in 2020 after peaking in 2019, with a dramatic 48-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Southern Asia's imports of leguminous vegetables totalled 991 tonnes, indicating a sharp 97.9% drop from 2019. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 47 862 tonnes. The largest increase also occurred in 2019, growing by 72.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017–2020, the three largest markets for imports in kind were Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Australia, which together accounted for 62.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import values reached their lowest in 2020 after hitting a high in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 6.3 times. In 2020, Southern Asia's import value for leguminous vegetables was 2 876 thousand US dollars, down by 84.1% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 18 127 thousand US dollars. The largest increase also took place in 2019, rising by 41.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Asia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the main suppliers of leguminous vegetables to Southern Asia in value terms were Kazakhstan (61.5% of imports), the United Arab Emirates (3.7%), and Australia (2.2%). Together, these three countries comprised 67.5% of total imports in value terms.

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

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