Farm agency raises forecast for ’17-18 average chana price in Canada

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has raised its forecast for prices of chana in the country to an average $1,100-$1,130 a metric tonne in 2017-18 (Aug-Jul) from its September estimate of $1,000-$1,030 due to strong global demand. Canada’s farm agency has revised upwards its price forecast despite reports of likely higher sowing of the pulse in India. The agency has forecast production of chana in Canada at 81,000 metric tonne in 2017-18, unchanged from its previous estimate but a tad lower than last year’s output of 82,000 metric tonne. Supply of chana, or chickpeas, is expected to decline by 26% on year to 96,000 metric tonne due to lower carry-in stocks and imports. The agency, however, has lowered its average price estimate for lentils to $650-$680 per metric tonne from its September estimate of $720-$750.