Indian Chickpea FOB Values Edge Higher as Domestic Mandi Prices Firm

Indian chickpea FOB prices in key Indian hubs are edging higher, supported by firmer domestic mandi rates and steady trade policy. Export offers from New Delhi and Rajkot have ticked up in recent days, reflecting improving demand and tighter spot availability rather than any weather shock. Indian chickpea markets are tracking a generally firm undertone in wholesale mandis, where Kabuli chana modal prices have hovered in the mid‑₹5,000s per quintal nationally, with select Gujarat markets trading notably higher. With the government expected to keep the current pulse import regime unchanged at least until clarity on the rabi crop by December–January, traders are focusing on near-term demand, mandi arrivals, and export parity. Weather is seasonally normal and not a major driver this week, leaving prices more sensitive to local buying and regional supply tightness.

Prices

FOB chickpea values in India have posted small but broad-based gains. In New Delhi, chickpeas dried count 42–44 (12 mm) are indicated at EUR 0.98 FOB, with 44–46 (11 mm) at EUR 0.95 FOB and 46–48 (10 mm) at EUR 0.92 FOB. Smaller sizes 58–60 (9 mm) and 60–62 (8 mm) are quoted around EUR 0.91 and EUR 0.86 FOB respectively, all showing a EUR 0.01 increase versus the previous quotations.

In Gujarat, Rajkot chickpeas dried are indicated at EUR 1.00 FOB, up from EUR 0.97 earlier in the week, underscoring stronger local demand and relatively tight availability. Domestic wholesale (mandi) prices for Kabuli chana across India cluster near ₹5,578 per quintal on a modal basis, equivalent to about ₹56/kg, with high-grade lots in Gujarat mandis like Junagadh and Rajula fetching ₹1,300–₹1,560 per 20 kg (₹65–₹78/kg), pointing to firm underlying fundamentals.

Supply & Demand

Indian Kabuli chana supplies in spot markets are adequate but not burdensome, with national modal mandi prices in the mid‑₹5,000s per quintal suggesting balanced farmer selling and mill demand. Gujarat mandis show a firmer profile, with Junagadh and Rajula quotes implying a premium for better-quality Kabuli lots, which supports higher FOB levels ex-Rajkot.

On the policy side, India is expected to keep its current pulses import regime unchanged at least until clearer visibility on rabi sowing and crop prospects around December–January. A 10% customs duty continues to apply on chana, while tur and urad remain duty-free. This policy backdrop limits the risk of sudden import surges in chana and provides a mildly supportive floor under domestic and export prices in the near term.

Weather & Crop Outlook (India)

No major new weather shocks have been reported for key chickpea belt states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat over the past few days, and the southwest monsoon is in its late phase. Current conditions are generally seasonal, with attention gradually shifting from kharif pulses to preparations for the rabi sowing window starting in October–November.

Given the absence of acute rainfall deficits or flooding headlines in the last three days, weather is not a primary driver of this week’s chickpea price moves. Instead, market participants are watching soil moisture carry-over and reservoir levels, which will influence rabi chickpea acreage decisions but are not yet translating into immediate price volatility.

Fundamentals & Trade

Domestic demand from millers and packers remains steady, with limited downside in mandi prices despite recent firmness in other pulses. National median Kabuli chana prices around ₹7,900 per quintal, as per some mandi aggregators, line up with the modestly higher FOB values reported from New Delhi and Rajkot.

On the external side, India remains a key global chickpea exporter, but current trade flows are moderated by internal price levels and competition from origins such as Mexico. With India maintaining a 10% duty on domestic-type chana and higher duty on yellow peas, the incentive structure still favours domestic chickpea usage, keeping export volumes disciplined and underpinning FOB values.

Short-Term Outlook & Trading Ideas

• Directional bias: Mildly bullish over the next 3–5 days as higher Gujarat mandis and firm national modal prices filter into FOB offers.
• For exporters: Consider locking in near-term sales at current FOB indications, especially for larger calibres 42–44 and 44–46, while keeping some volume open in case of further incremental gains.
• For importers/buyers: End-users needing coverage through October may pre-book partial volumes now and stagger additional buying, as downside appears limited without a policy change or sudden demand shock.
• For producers/traders in India: Given stable policy signals and supportive mandi bids, holding good-quality Kabuli stock for a short horizon remains reasonable, but monitor rabi sowing news and any shift in government interventions.

3-Day Indicative Direction (India)

• New Delhi FOB: Bias slightly up to steady for all calibres, with tightness more visible in larger sizes 42–44 and 44–46.
• Rajkot FOB: Likely to remain firm at current premium levels versus New Delhi, tracking strong Kabuli mandi prices in coastal and Saurashtra Gujarat.
• Domestic mandis (pan-India): Overall firm to marginally higher, particularly in western markets, while central Indian mandis trade in a stable range.