Indian Chickpea FOB Prices Edge Higher as Rabi Sowing Lags

Indian chickpea FOB prices from New Delhi are inching higher across all sizes, supported by firm domestic mandi levels and concern over delayed rabi sowing in key producing states. Mexican FOB offers are also up slightly but remain at a premium to Indian origins. India’s kabuli chana wholesale prices have firmed in recent days, with all‑India median mandi levels around the seasonal high that typically occurs in November. Lower-than-usual rabi chickpea sowing progress, especially in Maharashtra under drought stress, is underpinning market sentiment despite generally dry, favourable harvest-weather expectations over northwest India for the coming week. Export interest into the Middle East remains steady, keeping a floor under larger-sized kabuli grades.

Prices

FOB New Delhi prices for Indian kabuli chickpeas (non-organic) rose modestly on 14 November 2026:

• Count 42–44, 12 mm: EUR 1.15/kg FOB (from EUR 1.13/kg).
• Count 44–46, 11 mm: EUR 1.12/kg FOB (from EUR 1.10/kg).
• Count 46–48, 10 mm: EUR 1.09/kg FOB (from EUR 1.07/kg).
• Count 58–60, 9 mm: EUR 1.08/kg FOB (from EUR 1.06/kg).
• Count 60–62, 8 mm: EUR 1.03/kg FOB (from EUR 1.01/kg).

Mexican chickpea offers (Mexico City, FOB) are also firmer, with large 42–44 count at EUR 1.23/kg and smaller 75–80 count at EUR 1.01/kg, both up compared with late October. This preserves a clear premium of Mexican over Indian origin for larger sizes.

Supply & Demand

Domestic Indian wholesale prices for kabuli chana remain firm, with recent all‑India mandi medians around ₹8,600–8,900 per quintal, close to the seasonal high that November typically brings. Thin arrivals before the next harvest, alongside steady festival and export demand, are limiting downside pressure.

Rabi 2026–27 chickpea sowing is lagging. Nationally, rabi-sown area for major crops is down sharply year-on-year, and analysts flag that chickpea and mustard are particularly behind schedule. In Maharashtra, drought and poor soil moisture have cut total rabi sowing by nearly 38% versus last year, with farmers prioritising chickpea over more water-intensive crops, which could tighten supply from this key producing state.

Export demand from the Middle East and South Asia remains steady, reflected in firm kabuli chickpea reference prices at destination hubs such as Jebel Ali. Combined with constrained near-term availability in India, this supports FOB offers, especially for 42–44 and 44–46 count material.

Weather & Crop Conditions (India)

For November 2026, the India Meteorological Department projects below-normal rainfall across most of the country, with near- to above-normal rain confined to parts of central and northwest India. This pattern is broadly favourable for rabi sowing in northern pulse-growing belts, though it offers limited relief to drought-affected zones such as Maharashtra.

Recent regional forecasts for northwest India around New Delhi point to largely dry weather with cool nights and only light, scattered showers linked to passing western disturbances over the Western Himalayas. For chickpea, the coming week’s conditions imply good field access and low disease pressure, but soil moisture deficits in rainfed central and western India remain a key risk for acreage and yield potential.

Fundamentals & Market Drivers

• Seasonal tightness: Historical mandi data show November as one of the strongest months for kabuli chana prices, typically about 15% above the yearly average, reinforcing current firmness.
• Slow rabi sowing: National rabi area is significantly behind last year, with chickpea sowing lagging and Maharashtra’s rabi area down by over 5.4 lakh hectares, raising medium‑term supply concerns.
• Demand: Domestic demand has been steady but not exuberant, with recent reports noting sluggish trade and range-bound moves rather than sharp spikes.
• Global backdrop: International wholesale chickpea prices in Mexico and Latin America are firm to higher, maintaining a premium over current Indian FOB levels and supporting export parity for Indian origin.

Short-Term Outlook & Trading View

Over the next three days (15–17 November 2026), New Delhi-origin chickpea prices are likely to stay supported by tight domestic arrivals, slow rabi sowing progress and a broadly dry, supportive weather outlook for north India. No immediate relief is expected from central and western deficit areas, where moisture remains inadequate for a rapid catch‑up in chickpea planting.

• For exporters: Consider locking in sales for 42–44 and 44–46 count kabuli on small rallies; the Indian FOB discount to Mexican origin should sustain demand, but upside could be capped by buyer resistance above recent highs.
• For importers/buyers: Stagger coverage for Q1 2027, with partial bookings at current levels and readiness to add on any pullbacks if sowing improves; delayed rabi planting and drought risks argue against waiting for significantly lower offers.
• For domestic traders: Maintain a mildly long bias in high-quality kabuli, especially in deficit or drought-stressed states, but avoid aggressive stockpiling given policy and import risk if prices spike sharply.

3‑day directional price indication (FOB New Delhi, India, 15–17 Nov 2026)

• Kabuli 42–44, 12 mm: Stable to slightly firm around current EUR 1.15/kg.
• Kabuli 44–46, 11 mm: Stable to slightly firm around current EUR 1.12/kg.
• Kabuli 46–48, 10 mm and smaller sizes: Mostly stable, with a mild upward bias in active export grades.