India is the world’s leading chana producer. Lately, the chana crop has experienced a substantial surge in commercial importance, thanks to its extensive cultivation throughout the country. Chana is primarily used in dal, chana bhatura, chana masala, and a host of other culinary delights. In our previous blog, we delved into India’s Chana production. Now, let’s explore the dynamics of Chana trade within India, the most popular Chana varieties, international Chana trade trends, and the import-export of chana.
Chana trade in India
Chana production in India is primarily geared towards the domestic market. The key chana-producing states in India are Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, with most of the cultivation occurring during the Rabi season. India is also a substantial importer of chana due to its high consumption levels. In fact, domestic production accounts for approximately 40% of the total pulse production in India and roughly 67% of the global chana production.
India’s most-selling types of chana
India boasts three popular types of chana, including
1. Kabuli Chana: Kabuli Chana is the most commonly grown chana type in India and is a versatile ingredient in dals, vegetable dishes, and a multitude of culinary creations.
2. Desi Chana (Bengal Chana): Desi chana is predominantly used in preparing dishes such as the ever-popular chana bhatura, among others.
3. Arhar Chana: Arhar chana is mainly used in the preparation of lentil-based dishes (dals).
Worldwide chana trade
India plays a pivotal role in the global chana trade. Australia, India, Canada, Turkey, Mexico, Tanzania, the United States of America, Argentina, and France are the Top- Chana exporting countries. Along with this, Turkey, the United States of America, India, Italy, United Kingdom, Spain, Canada, Egypt, and Jordan are the Top Chana-importing countries.
Chana from India primarily finds its way to markets in the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. Over the past five years, India has been a significant contributor to global chana production, accounting for over 12 million metric tonnes out of the total 15 million metric tonnes produced worldwide. In Australia, the world’s leading chana exporter, chana production was expected to increase to 1.06 million metric tonnes in 2022, thanks to favourable conditions. However, according to projections from the Australian government agency ABARES, there is a foreseen 44% decrease in chana production in 2023, resulting in a total output of 0.594 million metric tonnes for the country.
Increase in chana trade
India’s chana trade has witnessed a remarkable upsurge due to many factors. One notable trend is the growing inclination towards chana cultivation in the southern states of India over the past few years. Here, due to lower rainfall, farmers are turning towards pulse crop production, considering it a more profitable option compared to traditional paddy cultivation. Globally, chana is gaining recognition as a high-protein alternative to meat, fostering increased popularity. Additionally, chana’s appeal as a protein-rich component in animal feed is on the rise. Notably, the international market is showing an increased appetite for chana, contributing to this surge in trade. The Government of India has also been implementing policy changes aimed at promoting chana exports, further driving this dynamic expansion in the chana trade.
If you are involved in the chana trade, it’s important to note that Chana is traded extensively in the markets of Delhi, Indore, and Bikaner. To stay updated on chana prices from various locations across India, we recommend downloading the Bijak Vyapaar App. With the ‘Price Trend’ feature offered by Bijak Vyapaar, you can track recent fluctuations in chana prices. This will enable you to make informed decisions about selling your chana at the right rate. Stay ahead in the chana market with Bijak Vyapaar!
We trust that this blog has provided you with valuable insights into chana production. For more engaging content on related grain products, explore our Bijak blog page. If you have any inquiries or suggestions, we welcome your comments. Stay connected with us through our social media channels for the latest updates and more. Your feedback is important to us!