The global pigeon pea sector is on track to achieve a valuation of USD 34.0 billion by 2036, accelerating from USD 16.8 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 7.3%. As per Future Market Insights, expansion is structurally underpinned by the crop's role as a primary protein source across South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported in its 2024 Agricultural Outlook that global pulse production needs to increase by 25% by 2030 to meet nutritional targets. This production requirement compels governments and agricultural bodies to invest in varietal improvement and procurement floor prices. Simultaneously, the regulatory landscape is shifting from open-market pricing to managed procurement through minimum support price (MSP) mechanisms in key producing countries, which forces a recalibration of trade flows and private sector sourcing strategies.
In June 2025, ICRISAT announced the development of ICPV 25444, the world's first pigeon pea variety engineered to withstand temperatures up to 45 degrees Celsius. Developed using a speed breeding protocol that reduces the breeding cycle from 15 years to 5, this variety matures in 125 days. Sunil Kumar Singh, former Additional Managing Director of NAFED, stated: 'Among all pulses in India, pigeon peas hold the crown. If its price remains favorable, the Indian population will always prefer pigeon peas over any other pulse.' FMI opines that ICRISAT's heat-tolerant variety is a structural enabler for horizontal market expansion, permitting year-round cultivation in rice fallows and summer-irrigated lands previously unsuitable for pigeon pea production.
The operational reality for pigeon pea supply chains is defined by the need to balance domestic food security mandates with export demand. In January 2025, Cargill partnered with HarvestPlus to launch NutriHarvest, a USD 3 million initiative aimed at scaling biofortified crop production including iron-rich pigeon pea varieties across East Africa. As per FMI, this public-private investment in biofortified pulse production creates a new value tier where nutritional enhancement commands a procurement premium from institutional buyers. India, which accounts for over 70% of global pigeon pea production, continues to shape global pricing through its MSP adjustments and buffer stock procurement, making government policy the single largest variable in market forecasting.
Future Market Insights projects the pigeon pea market to expand at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2026 to 2036, increasing from USD 16.8 Billion in 2026 to USD 34.0 Billion by 2036.
FMI Research Approach: FMI proprietary forecasting model based on FAO pulse production data and India MSP procurement volumes.
FMI analysts perceive the market evolving toward bifurcated value chains where biofortified and heat-tolerant varieties command premium procurement while conventional grades remain tied to MSP-driven government purchasing.
FMI Research Approach: ICRISAT ICPV 25444 development (June 2025) and Cargill-HarvestPlus NutriHarvest (January 2025).
India holds the largest share of the global pigeon pea market by value, supported by its position as the source of over 70% of global production and the largest domestic consumption base.
FMI Research Approach: FMI country-level revenue modeling by MSP procurement data and NAFED buffer stock operations.
The global pigeon pea market is projected to reach USD 34.0 Billion by 2036.
FMI Research Approach: FMI long-term revenue forecast derived from FAO pulse production targets and population growth projections.
The pigeon pea market includes revenue from the production, processing, and trade of pigeon peas in whole, split dal, and flour forms for food, feed, and industrial applications.
FMI Research Approach: FMI market taxonomy aligned with FAO commodity classifications.
Globally unique trends include heat-tolerant varietal development via speed breeding, scaling of biofortified production through public-private partnerships, and expansion of plant-protein demand from Western markets.
FMI Research Approach: ICRISAT ICPV 25444 (June 2025) and Cargill-HarvestPlus NutriHarvest (January 2025).
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2026) | USD 16.8 Billion |
| Industry Value (2036) | USD 34.0 Billion |
| CAGR (2026 to 2036) | 7.3% |
Source: Future Market Insights (FMI) analysis, based on proprietary forecasting model and primary research
Increasing Demand For Plant-based Protein Sources
Safety of food products as well as increased consumer awareness of the need for protein to be sourced from plants in North America and Europe thus fueling the pigeon pea market. Prized for their protein and fiber content, pigeon peas are popular due to the increase demand for healthy food and more so with vegans or people who take little or no meat products. This makes them environmentally sustainable, they produce less carbon and they are versatile in so many foods.
Sun Impex is one of the major suppliers of plant protein products such as chickpeas, lentils, and pigeons peas. These whole ingredients are highly nutritious containing proteins and fiber that enhance digestion, minerals that improve heart health, and amino acids vital in muscle tissue build up. Due to the current trending issues about vegan diets and sustainable source of feeds, the company Sun Impex has provided for healthy and environmental protein supply.
Interamsa Agro industrial SAC this company deals mainly with processing of pulses and other vegetable products like chickpeas, lentils and soy beans. These products have found its applicability in food processing industry with protein-based replacement in snack products, ready to eat products and plant protein products.
Rising Use In Food Processing
Pigeon peas are widely utilised in food processing for their nutritional value today, incorporating them in pulse based snacks, gluten free flour and plant based proteins . Owing to the high protein and fiber values appended by the fact that they are connected to sustainable production that necessitates limited water intake, pulses continue to be a favorite among both sick and healthy customers and new types of foods.
Taj Curry Powder, Taj Instant noodles, Taj spices, Taj Snack mix and Taj ready to eat meals are few Taj Food’s bonded brands. Such products are in great demand to the food processing industries due to their easy availability, good quality, unique tastes, and easy use. Through constantly delivering good and even ready to eat foods, the company has been in a good position to have a competitive market in the global industry.
Pulses Splitting & Processing Industry Pvt Ltd offers froms Split Red Lentils (Masoor Dal), Split Pigeon Peas (Toor Dal), Split Black Grams(Urad Dal). These pulses are processed and packaged in boxed meals, soups and snack foods ready for cooking. Due to the high protein and fibre levels LS, they are widely used in the food processing industry.
Increasing Agricultural Investments Driving Market Expansion
Increasing popularity of this highly nutritional pulse because of government encouragement and improvements in farming technology is paving way for farmers to grow more pigeon peas. It is naturally suitable for planting in areas most affected by drought thus suitable in times of climate change woes, while on the infrastructure front, it boosts the business through enhancing the value chain through mitigating post harvester losses.
A.B. Agro Company has various core values such as farming that is environmentally friendly including crop cycling, organic farming and smart farming. It provides farmers technical assistance, and holds workshops on Integrated Pest Management(IPM), on soil management including the application of organic manure and reduced use of chemicals. Most of them work hand in hand with the local agricultural universities to demonstrate practical work on cover crops, soil health and water management.
Arvind Limited is developing hybrid pigeon pea seeds with improved yields and resistance to diseases. They also employ precision agriculture techniques, such as soil health monitoring and targeted fertilization, to increase productivity and reduce costs sustainably, thereby contributing to food security in key regions.
| Particular | Value CAGR, 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| H1 (2024 to 2034) | 7.5% |
| H2 (2024 to 2034) | 9.0% |
| H1 (2025 to 2035) | 9.2% |
| H2 (2025 to 2035) | 10.5% |
The compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for has shown a prominent progress, replicating a positive market arc. The CAGR for H1 was 7.5% for the period of 2024 to 2034, which has increased to 9.2% for the period of 2025 to 2035. Similarly, H2 saw an increase from 9.0% (2024 to 2034) to 10.5% (2025 to 2035).
This research identified the Sector expansion trend of pigeon pea from 2021 to 2025, categorized by political buyers, beginning with the global market. India emerged as the largest producer and consumer of gold; Myanmar and the East African countries as exporters of gold.
However, some challenges hindered the industry including but not limited to the following. This is because extreme weathers are very hard to predict and due to COVID-19 challenges most of the supply chain was delayed. Nevertheless, there were certain challenges which were coming in the way of international trade and happenings related to exports related to North America and Europe and some other regions creating industry development.
The Asia-Pacific region will remain the largest consumer region, and there will be an increasing demand in North America and especially in Europe mainly from the vegan and vegetarian consumer segments. Agricultural progress also indicates that emerging economy in Latin America and Africa will also grow.
Nonetheless, an unfavorable production factors such as Fluctuations in prices or climate changes may affect production. rising technological advancements in agricultural practice and widespread uses of agricultural product across various sectors in food processing industry will dictate the future growth to about 2035.
Some of the vital market players enumerated under the pigeon pea industry are YMAF Co Ltd., Sun Impex, Interamsa Agroindustrial SAC, A.B. Agro Company, and Taj Foods among others. These firms are mainly in the production and marketing of pigeon peas for both the domestic and export markets.
For instance Sun Impex has majors in the trade of agricultural produces, while Interamsa Agroindustrial SAC majors in the processing and exportation of same produces. These have better supplies in pigeon peas because Pulses Splitting & Processing Industry Pvt Ltd for example has efficiency in processing these hence making pigeon peas more available and competitive in the Industry.
Concentration of industry supply in the pigeon pea sector is generally moderate, comprising a number of small to medium players from the supply chain. Some of the key suppliers of manufacturing equipment are Akyurek Kardesler Ltd. which mainly supply processing machinery, which are beneficial to the development of the industry framework.
However, big firms such as Unitex Tanzania Limited are among export companies affecting supply chain around the globe. In conclusion, this diversified population helps to foster a competitive climate within which firms can increase efficiency and presumably enhance the supply and range of pigeon pea products available in the marketplace to consumers.
The following table shows the estimated growth rates of the top three territories. USA, Germany and India are few attractive countries to look upon.
| Countries | CAGR, 2026 to 2036 |
|---|---|
| USA | 10.3% |
| UK | 10.5% |
| India | 11.2% |
Currently, the pigeon pea market in the estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.3% between 2026 and 2036, largely depending on imported from India, some Caribbean and Latin American countries. It occupies a specific demand in niche, ethnic and health food sector and has the potential for growth attributing to the growing industry focus on plant base and exotic products.
Although pigeon peas have to compete with more commonly used pulses such as chickpeas and lentils, potential improvements to consumers’ knowledge regarding the application and nutritional value of pigeon peas in the coming years may make them more appetizing.
The pigeon pea sector in the UK remains competitive owing to the increasing demand for plant-based protein products mainly due to the new healthcare consciousness, with a projected CAGR of 10.5%. Currently, the consumption depends much on imported oil from other countries such as India and the United States as well as African countries.
Supermarket giants and over the counter stores are aware of these preferences especially of organic food sources. In the developed competition is high as a result of this many companies are emphasizing on innovation of new products and adherence to set food regulations that will ensure consumer confidence is not affected. Nevertheless there are still certain issues of supply chain vulnerability, since the sector depends heavily on imported products.
India Pigeon peas market is set to experience rapid growth, with a projected CAGR of 11.2% from 2026 to 2036. Pigeon peas are used in the Indian food system predominantly as split peas called dal and hold a social importance. If interests the uses of pigeon peas it is notable that India also features as the largest importer having imports from Myanmar, Africa and USA to feed its domestic market.
Employment Responsible for the creation of value added products and organic products has shifted towards the consumer needs in the urban industry hence driving the Indian pigeon pea market. Additionally, the developing health-conscious customer base has further increased the business for healthy and sustainable pigeon pea-based products.
| Segment | Value share |
|---|---|
| Form - Dried | 34% |
The dried pigeon pea market is stable because of widespread usage due to its higher shelf stability and functional in many reciped from India, African and south American countries. Dehydrated pigeon peas contain high protein, fiber and nutrients thus acknowledged by health conscious consumers.
Their versatility means it can easily be distributed and transported from one region to another to households, restaurants as well as food processing firms where it is split or milled into split peas or flour. This category remains to be important for both the domestic and International markets, as the consumption in food applications increases. Additionally, the expanding health-conscious consumer base has further raised the industry for healthful and sustainable pigeon pea-based products.
| Segment | Value Share |
|---|---|
| Distribution Channel Grocery Stores | 24% |
A brief look at groceries available in stores shows that pigeon peas are sold whole, split and in small packets as well as in bulk. It targets the professional chefs and other health conscious consumers and the ethnic means in specialty shops and organic in chain stores. The increase in awareness of vegan and environmentally friendly products which are sources of proteins is pushing sales, coupled with promotions and good display mainly during festive periods.
Therefore there is need to effectively manage the supply chain, and the product effectively in order to compete with the other types of peas in this growing market. With more and more people getting to know about its nutritional value, different consumers are using pigeon peas as a more environmentally friendly nutritious ingredient.
An analysis of the industry urgently reveals that the companies involved in the pigeon pea sector are very competitive due to the improved processing and exportation that is facilitated by YMAF Co Ltd., Sun Impex, and Interamsa Agro industrial SAC. Leading these companies have strong supply chain and operate in value-added products for them to remain competitive.
For example YMAF Co Ltd has a large distribution network in Africa and Asia and therefore has a clear reception in the distribution channels while Sun Impex has a strong position in the world industry and offers a consistently high product quality. Further, Interamsa Agroindustrial SAC operating in Peru aims at market penetration; pricing strategy; and high quality of pulses like pigeon peas.
Other firms such as A.B Agro Company and Arvind Limited and Taj Foods also do well by supplying good pigeon peas and having mastery in this and doing well in inventing ways of processing. In Turkey, one such company including an apex is Akyürek Kardesler Ltd., which is in a position to offering advanced technologies for pulse splitting as well as processing in turn to offer an edge to its clients in Europe and Middle East.
Local companies like Pulses Splitting & Processing Industry Pvt Ltd and Unitex Tanzania Limited take advantage of local production efficiencies thus are able price competitively to meet increasing demand peculiar to regional markets in south Asian and East Africa respectively. They differ by the confrontational type of technology, highly developed export channels, and low prices.
Recent Developments
The pigeon pea market represents revenue from cultivation, processing, and trade of pigeon peas in whole grain, split dal, flour, and canned forms sold through government procurement, wholesale, food processors, and export channels.
Inclusions cover whole pigeon peas, split dal, flour, canned, and frozen products. It includes conventional, biofortified, and organic varieties. Seed production for planting is also included.
Exclusions include other pulse crops such as chickpeas, lentils, and mung beans. Animal feed-grade by-products and plant biomass used exclusively as green manure are outside the scope.
| Items | Values |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Units (2026) | USD 16.8 Billion |
| Product Type | Whole Pigeon Peas, Split Dal, Flour, Canned, Frozen |
| End User | Household Consumption, Food Processing, Government Procurement, Export |
| Regions Covered | South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, North America, Europe |
| Key Companies Profiled | NAFED, Cargill, HarvestPlus/ICRISAT, Olam Group, ITC Limited |
Products are classified as Premium, Mid, or Low based on price.
Products are convenient in Frozen, Dried, Canned,or Fresh forms.
The distribution channels for the product involve Supermarkets, Direct store, online and grocery store providing to diverse segments of the industry
The End user of the product by Pharmaceuticals, Food and Beverages, Dietary supplements and Cosmetic.
The wild Rice industry analysis has been carried out in key countries of North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa , oceania.
What is the current global market size for Pigeon Pea?
The global market is valued at USD 16.8 Billion in 2026, driven by sustained demand for plant-based protein in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa and the development of climate-resilient pigeon pea varieties.
What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the market over the next 10 years?
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2026 to 2036.
Which regions are experiencing the fastest expansion?
South Asia leads driven by India's MSP-supported government procurement, followed by Sub-Saharan Africa where biofortified pigeon pea varieties are scaling through institutional programs like the Cargill-HarvestPlus NutriHarvest initiative.
What are the primary market drivers?
Government minimum support price procurement mechanisms in India and the development of heat-tolerant, biofortified pigeon pea varieties through speed breeding are the primary drivers.
Who are the leading suppliers in the industry?
NAFED, Cargill, Olam Group, ITC Limited, and ICRISAT/HarvestPlus are key players, with ICRISAT driving varietal innovation through public-private partnerships and Cargill scaling biofortified production.
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Pigeon Pea Market
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