Bang on: India Projects Higher Chickpea and Lentil Production; Estimates Closely Match AgPulse Outlook

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare released the second advance estimates of food grain production on March 10, 2026. According to these estimates, chickpea production in India is projected to reach 11.792 million metric tonnes (MMT) for the current season. This represents an increase of 678 thousand metric tonnes (KMT) compared with the previous year, indicating a noticeable improvement in output.

Similarly, lentil production is estimated at 1.734 million metric tonnes (MMT), reflecting an increase of 80 thousand metric tonnes (KMT) compared to last year’s production level.

At AgPulse Analytica, our projections were closely aligned with these estimates. In our Global Pulse Monthly Supply and Demand (S&D) Report released in February 2026, we had forecast chickpea production at 11.667 MMT. Earlier, in the October 2025 edition of the same report, we had projected chickpea production at 11.710 MMT and lentil production at 1.782 MMT.

Based on the latest information and current market assessments, we continue to maintain our production outlook for Indian chickpeas and lentils at these previously projected levels.

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