Brazil Will Export Pigeonpea to India Starting Soon
Brazilian farmers will supply pigeonpea to India by late 2026 to help meet rising domestic demand for the crop.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Organic Food
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Brazil is set to begin exporting 20,000 to 30,000 tonnes of pigeonpea to India between October and November 2026. This initiative aims to bolster supply as India navigates increased import requirements and recent domestic production challenges.
Why it matters
India is seeking to diversify its supply chain for pulses following a 44 percent surge in imports during the first seven months of 2026. This new trade partnership helps stabilize market availability as Indian states like Karnataka and Maharashtra manage drought conditions.
India imported 5.79 lakh tonnes of pigeonpea through July 2026, marking a 44 percent increase over prior periods. Brazilian producers plan to export 20,000 to 30,000 tonnes of the pulse to fill supply gaps during the upcoming season.
The players
India Pulses and Grains Association
This is a professional body representing the interests of the pulses and grains industry in India that facilitates trade and policy engagement.
The details
Brazilian producers began cultivating pigeonpea specifically for the Indian market at the encouragement of the India Pulses and Grains Association. All incoming shipments must undergo standard phytosanitary clearance before entering the Indian market to ensure agricultural safety.
Timeline
India imported 13.25 lakh tonnes of pigeonpea during calendar 2025.
India imported 5.79 lakh tonnes of pigeonpea from January to July 2026.
Pigeonpea prices rose by ₹50-100 per quintal on September 28, 2026.
Initial shipments from Brazil are expected between October and November 2026.
A formal assessment of the kharif pigeonpea crop is due in mid-October 2026.
Culture Shift
The expansion into Brazilian markets follows the surge in demand noted in the India Pulses and Grains Association import volume tracker. This development marks a shift in global agricultural sourcing as India proactively secures pulse varieties to offset regional climate impacts.
The stabilization of pigeonpea supply through new imports may mitigate price volatility for consumers who recently saw costs rise by ₹50-100 per quintal. Shoppers should watch for potential impacts on retail pulse prices as new international shipments arrive in the coming months.
The takeaway
The addition of Brazil as a trade partner highlights the increasing need for India to diversify its agricultural imports to ensure food security. Consumers and industry stakeholders should monitor the mid-October crop assessment for a clearer outlook on long-term price trends.
Further reading
Learn more about sustainable global trade trends in the Organic Food section.
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