Pigeon Pea Prices Explained

Pigeon pea prices fluctuate significantly in the Asian region, particularly in Myanmar and the Indian markets due to inflation and unfavorable weather conditions that battered the two countries.

India’s unseasonable showers affected its agriculture yield, causing a legume shortage. On the other hand, after Myanmar’s military coup, the country’s economic progress took a slow turn, including decreasing most of its top exports like pigeon peas, black gram, and green gram.

As a result, pigeon pea prices in European and North American markets came soaring due to the tightened supply chain. Presently, India is the top producer of pigeon peas, accounting for 82% of the world’s production.

Why are pigeon pea prices fluctuating?

1. Export and Import Prices

The world’s pigeon pea markets are interconnected, so an increase in exports from a primary producer affects not just local supply and prices but also the global market. Similarly, increased imports by a major consumer have far-reaching effects, influencing pigeon pea prices on a global scale. For instance, the Philippines consistently experiences an upward trend in both export and import prices of pigeon peas, affecting pigeon pea retail prices.

2. Pests and Diseases

Diseases and pests lower the quality of pigeon peas, resulting in the production of damaged or discolored seeds that are not as appealing to customers. Thus, its market value decreases due to low crop yield, resulting in lower pigeon pea prices

3. Market Trends

The increasing recognition of the nutritional advantages offered by pigeon peas is a driving force behind increased demand. As a result, prices may rise as a result of the shift in consumer preferences toward nutrient-dense products. For instance, the rising craze over plant-based protein products serves as a demand and price leverage of pigeon pea prices.

4. Seasonal Changes

Generally, the fluctuating weather in various seasons openly influences the overall production yield of pigeon peas. Factors like temperature, sunlight, and rainfall are important in determining how crops grow and how productive they are overall. Thus, seasonal differences in yield cause variations in the supply of pigeon peas, which in turn impact its market prices.

Which variables impact the price of pigeon peas?

• Export and Import Prices
• Pests and Diseases
• Market Trends
• Seasonal Changes
• Supply and Demand
• Quality Standard

Where do pigeon peas come from?

Pigeon peas are legumes that are widely used as animal feed and pulses because of their edible seeds. Also, it is sometimes called Cajanus Cajan, one of the most important legume crops that are grown mostly in tropical and subtropical areas. Its varieties are classified by farmers using factors including seed color, growth habit, and intended use. Here are the common types of pigeon peas:

1. Yellow Pigeon Pea – Known for its yellow-colored seeds, this type of pigeon pea is widely cultivated and frequently used in a wider range of culinary applications.

2. White Pigeon Pea – It is distinguished by its either white or cream-colored seeds. Additionally, it is used in several cooking applications but less frequently than the yellow variant.

3. Desi Pigeon Pea – This variety has brown or reddish-brown seeds. Furthermore, it is cultivated for food and animal feed.

4. Variegated Pigeon Pea – varieties are relatively uncommon and their seeds display a mix of colors, often presenting a mottled or variegated appearance.

What are the uses of pigeon peas?

Pigeon pea boasts elevated levels of vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, calories, and amino acids. Generally, it is mostly grown for food and animal feed. In many parts of the world, its high nutritional content makes it an essential food crop. Here are some industrial applications of pigeon peas:

1. Thermochemical Conversion – Its wood is recognized as a promising lignocellulosic bio-resource with the capacity to provide renewable energy. Due to its beneficial qualities, it is used in pyrolysis, torrefaction, and gasification.

2. Green Manure – Pigeon pea is often used as a crop for green manure, a technique that involves planting certain crops and then replanting them in the soil while they are still green and growing. By adding organic matter, this pigeon pea incorporation technique improves soil fertility and structure.

3. Animal Feed – Due to their nutritional value, pigeon peas find extensive uses in the livestock industry as an animal feed.

4. Oil Extraction – The seeds of pigeon peas contain oil that finds utility in diverse applications such as cooking and acting as an ingredient in cosmetics and soaps.

5. Dye Production – The textile industry uses natural dyes derived from the leaves and stems of the pigeon pea plant as it produces a range of colors from yellow to green.

6. Soil Conservation – Pigeon pea plants’ taproot system can improve soil structure and reduce soil erosion. Thus, using pigeon peas in agricultural techniques helps maintain soil health in areas where soil degradation is a possibility.

7. Agroforestry – Pigeon pea is incorporated into agroforestry systems, providing shade, fixing nitrogen in the soil, and acting as a windbreak.

What is the future price of pigeon peas?

The demand for pigeon peas is expected to increase in the future as more people become aware of their nutritional benefits.

Additionally, the rising need for processed foods, technological advancements in hybrid seed germination, increased production capacity, and enhanced logistical infrastructure are all contributing to the industry’s rapid growth.

Furthermore, government efforts such as subsidies for farmers, a growing number of health-conscious consumers, and higher government investments in agriculture will further revolutionize the production of this multi-purpose commodity.

Thus, pigeon pea price will be $1.60 per kilogram in 2028, with a forecasted global market value of $23,798.0 million by 2032 at a CAGR of 5.2%.