Chana or Chickpea is a major pulse crop in the Indian subcontinent and several other countries. Known for rich protein content, chana is used as an edible seed as well as making flour. Chana is broadly divided into two categories – Kabuli and Desi-- according to the colour, seed size and taste.
Global Situation
Total global production of channa is estimated to be around 8-9 million tons per year. In 2006-07, the global output is expected to slip by 2 percent to 8.65 million tons due to adverse climatic conditions in major producing countries such as India, Pakistan and Australia. Total supply in 2006-07 is estimated at 9.15 million ton, which includes the carry over stock from the previous year.
Indian Situation
India is the leading producer and consumer of chana in the world. The Indian production is estimated to be between 4-7 million tons per year. Normally chana accounts for around 40 percent of India’s total pulses crop production of 12-15 million tons. Major producing states are Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
In India, Chana is a rabi crop and is sown from November-December and harvested from February-March. Peak season of fresh crop arrival begins from March-April at major trading centers. Besides domestic output, India also imports around 300,000-400,000 ton chana per year. Main countries of imports are Canada, Australia, Iran and Myanmar.
Market Situation
A fragmented market with a very long value chain is the main characteristics of the present chana market scenario in the country. Commission agents, brokers, wholesalers, flourmills and retail outlets are the key players in the market.
Indore, Bhopal, Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh, Jalgaon, Latur, Mumbai, Akola in Maharashtra, Jaipur, Bikaner, Kota, Jodhpur, Sriganaganagar, Hanumangarh in Rajasthan are the main trading centres of chana in the country. Delhi, Kanpur, Hapur, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Gulbarga are also known for major trading activity in chana.
Besides output and demand, other key parameters shaping chana prices include carry over stocks, imports and the extent of substitution with other pulses.
India\'s Forex reserves fell to $311.79 billion, down by $691 million for the week ended June 27 as against $ 312.481 billion in the last week, RBI said in its weekly report.
Forex dealers said the rupee drew support from a firm trend in local equity market but was still under pressure due to fresh surge in crude oil prices.
Indian rupee opened trading in a positive note Friday as investors covered their short positions but with oil holding above $145 a barrel and shaky stock markets raising prospects for more capital outflows, gains may be limited.
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