The area under chana cultivation during the ongoing 2025-26 rabi season is projected to be stable, with a slight increase compared to the previous year. This is attributed to higher planting in Gujarat and Rajasthan, which is expected to compensate for a potential decline in Madhya Pradesh, where wheat has become a significant competitor for the key pulse crop.
Factors such as higher residual moisture and discussions regarding a possible bonus over the minimum support price (MSP) for wheat are influencing sowing decisions in Madhya Pradesh. “The prevailing prices are not encouraging for farmers to choose chana. Additionally, the forward prices we are receiving from Australia are approximately 10 percent lower than the MSP,” stated Satish Upadhyay, Secretary of the India Pulses & Grains Association.
Farmers in Madhya Pradesh, the leading state in chana production, are increasingly opting for wheat and maize due to better returns. Upadhyay observed, “We anticipated an increase in acreage this year due to favorable weather conditions and good soil moisture. Chana typically requires less pesticide, which should have made it a more attractive option for farmers. However, this trend is not evident in the fields. The area planted is likely to match last year’s levels or see a marginal increase; overall, chana area could be on par with last year or rise by 5 to 10 percent.” In the 2024-25 rabi season, chana was cultivated on 98.55 lakh hectares (lh).
The expected decrease in acreage in Madhya Pradesh could be offset by an upward trend in Gujarat and Rajasthan. As of November 21, chana acreage in Gujarat stood at 53.71 lh, marking an increase of 4.41 lh from 49.30 lh this time last year. In Rajasthan, the figure reached 20.28 lh by November 24, compared to 18.53 lh in the previous year. Gujarat also reported an increase in sowing area to 2.17 lh, up from last year’s 1.83 lh, with a typical area of 8.3 lh. Upadhyay expressed optimism, stating, “We expect the chana area to increase, likely reaching between 10 and 15 lh this year.”
The Indian government has set the MSP at ₹5,875 for the 2026-27 crop, while domestic market prices range from ₹5,500 to ₹5,800 per quintal. Imported Australian chana is selling at around ₹5,400 to ₹5,525.
Rahul Chauhan of Igrain India noted that chana acreage in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka will likely remain stable. However, he mentioned competition from mustard in Rajasthan, where prices have remained favorable. Additionally, wheat continues to vie for farmers’ attention, particularly in Madhya Pradesh. “In M.P., we expect the chana area to stay normal, although farmers in the Bundelkhand region may opt to plant wheat if a bonus over MSP is announced during the planting season,” Chauhan added.
Published on November 27, 2025.
