The predictions of many experts regarding the chickpea (chana) market have been proving inaccurate. The market has not been able to establish a clear direction for a long time. On October 6, chickpea prices opened at ₹6,000 per quintal. Soon after, the market weakened sharply, falling to ₹5,850 on October 13, and reaching the month’s lowest level of ₹5,775 on October 16. However, after this decline, prices started recovering. Reduced arrivals in mandis due to the festive season, lower stock levels, and increased buyer activity led to a price improvement, with prices reaching ₹5,925 by October 18. On Monday, prices crossed the ₹6,000 mark. Due to holidays during the festive season, the market remained largely closed, but internal trades on October 23 reported chickpea prices at ₹5,975 in Delhi’s Lawrence Road, ₹5,951 in Jaipur, ₹5,700 in Bikaner, ₹5,850 in Kanpur (UP/MP), ₹6,000 in Dahod, and ₹5,700 in Nagpur. At ports, Tanzania chickpeas were priced at ₹5,450 in Mumbai, Australian chickpeas at ₹5,600, and in Mundra and Kandla ports, Australian chickpeas were ₹5,525 and ₹5,550 per quintal respectively. Fast off-take from ports during the holidays supported the market. Given the current market sentiment, there is limited scope for a major rally. However, demand is expected to rise after Diwali during the wedding season, which could increase consumption. From April to August 2025, chickpea imports fell sharply by almost 63% to 32,231 tons, compared to 87,732 tons in the same period last year. The good-quality desi chickpeas in mandis have mostly been sold, leaving limited stock of better-quality produce. This suggests the market may face a shortage in November. At the same time, there is pressure from cheaper imported chickpeas from Tanzania and Australia, and high stocks of yellow peas at ports. This keeps the market risky, and profit booking at higher prices could suppress the market.