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September 30, 2026

Market Updates

India's kharif 2026/
Pigeon pea drought troubles, a record year for imports, and the ‘super’ El Niño threatening rabi prospects

We spoke to economist and Indian pulse expert, G. Chandrashekhar, to discuss his predictions for kharif pulses in 2026. We also covered monsoon damage across key pigeon pea regions, the outlook for record imports, and the El Niño risk hanging over rabi chickpeas and lentils.

Luke Wilkinson

Head Writer

At a glance

Kharif pulse production is expected to fall short of the Government of India’s targets, with pigeon pea accounting for most of the projected gap.
Monsoon deficits have hit major pigeon pea-growing areas in Maharashtra and Karnataka, while black matpe is the only major kharif crop forecast to increase production.
India’s pulse imports could reach a record 7.5 MMT in 2026-27, while a severe El Niño could put further pressure on the rabi chickpea and lentil crops.

Kharif pulse production: GoI targets (set May 2026) vs Chandrashekhar’s projections. Pulse Pod graphic based on Union Ministry of Agriculture data and G. Chandrashekhar’s estimates.

Tags

India / kharif / rabi / imports / monsoon / El Niño

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