Policy Liberalization Unleashes India's Pulses Export Potential
India's Ministry of Commerce officially removed quantitative restrictions on chickpea and lentil exports in February 2026, marking a watershed moment for the country's pulses trade after three years of domestic-supply-driven export curbs. The policy shift was enabled by a record rabi harvest of 27.5 million MT in 2025-26, exceeding domestic consumption of approximately 24 million MT by a comfortable margin. This 3–4 million MT exportable surplus positions India to re-enter markets it had largely vacated since 2023, including the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia. FOB prices for 8mm+ kabuli chickpeas from Indore are quoting at $680–$750/MT, competitive with Australian and Canadian origins. Industry bodies like IPGA project Indian pulses exports could reach $1.2 billion in FY2026-27.
Kabuli Chickpeas: Reclaiming Middle Eastern Markets
Kabuli chickpeas (8mm, 9mm, and 10mm+ grades) are India's highest-value pulses export, targeting hummus manufacturers and canned food processors in Turkey, Egypt, Algeria, and the UAE. Indian kabuli from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan offers a 15–20% price advantage over Australian desi-to-kabuli blends, with comparable hydration ratios and cooking quality. The 10mm+ jumbo grade commands premiums of $100–$150/MT over standard 8mm, with Mediterranean buyers particularly willing to pay for size uniformity. India's chickpea processing infrastructure has expanded significantly during the export ban period, with over 50 new grading and sortex plants commissioned in Indore and Jaipur since 2024. Radiance Overseas offers all major kabuli grades with fumigation certificates, phytosanitary documentation, and full traceability.
Middle Eastern buyers who shifted to Australian and Canadian chickpeas during India's export ban are now re-evaluating Indian origins due to the 15–20% price advantage. Early movers who establish contracts in Q2 2026 can lock in competitive pricing before seasonal demand peaks in Q3.
Chana Dal and Split Pulses: The Value-Added Edge
While whole chickpea exports attract the most attention, chana dal (split desi chickpea) represents a significant value-added opportunity trading at $720–$800/MT FOB — a 20% premium over whole desi chickpeas. Southeast Asian markets, particularly Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka, prefer Indian chana dal for its fast cooking time and consistent golden color. The split pulses segment also includes toor dal, moong dal, and urad dal, though these face more restrictive export policies due to tighter domestic supply-demand balances. India's dal milling sector has modernized rapidly, with laser-sorted, polished dal meeting international retail packaging standards. Importers should note that while chickpea and lentil export restrictions have been lifted, the government retains the authority to reimpose curbs if domestic prices spike above trigger levels.