Market
In Canada, dried split chickpea is an export-oriented pulse product derived mainly from Prairie-grown chickpeas, with production concentrated in Saskatchewan. Canada is a leading global exporter of pulses and has an established pulse-processing sector (including dehulling/splitting and milling) supplying both ingredient users and retail dry-pulse channels.
Market RoleMajor producer and exporter
Domestic RolePrairie-grown pulse commodity supplying domestic food manufacturing and retail dry-pulse demand, with significant volumes marketed for export.
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
Risks
Phytosanitary HighAscochyta blight is an extremely aggressive chickpea disease in Saskatchewan and can cause very large yield losses (reported up to ~90% in Kabuli and ~50% in Desi) and reduce seed quality, creating a severe supply and quality shock for Canadian split-chickpea availability.Require documented disease-management practices from suppliers (variety selection, scouting and timely control), avoid high-risk production areas/years via diversified sourcing, and use quality specs and incoming inspection to manage seed-quality variability.
Quality MediumStorage and handling risk is material: chickpeas that are too wet for safe storage can spoil, while overly dry seed can become more prone to cracking/splitting during handling, affecting processing yields and finished split quality.Contract to moisture/temperature targets, monitor bins in storage, and use aeration/drying management to reach safe storage moisture and cool stored product prior to longer holding or export.
Logistics MediumCanadian pulse export flows are exposed to rail service disruptions and related port congestion, which can delay shipments and increase demurrage/contractual penalty risk for bulk and containerized pulse cargo.Build schedule buffers for rail-to-port positioning, diversify routing/ports where feasible, and align sales terms and inventory strategy to absorb short-notice rail disruptions.
Regulatory MediumNon-compliance with SFCR licensing and preventive control requirements for food trade activities can trigger CFIA enforcement actions (including licence suspension/cancellation), disrupting import/export operations for pulses and pulse products handled by the business.Confirm licence needs for the specific activity (import/export/interprovincial trade), maintain required preventive controls and records, and conduct periodic compliance reviews against CFIA guidance.
Sustainability- Prairie rainfall variability and drought exposure in major producing regions (notably Saskatchewan) can materially affect chickpea yield and quality.
FAQ
What is the biggest production risk to Canadian chickpea supply for split-chickpea processing and trade?Ascochyta blight is a major risk in Saskatchewan chickpeas and can cause very large yield losses and reduce seed quality, which can sharply reduce available volumes and downgrade processing inputs.
What moisture target is commonly referenced for safe storage of Canadian chickpeas?A commonly cited safe-storage target is to store chickpeas at 14% moisture or less; storage guidance also emphasizes cooling grain after harvest to help maintain quality over time.
Do businesses importing or exporting chickpeas in Canada need CFIA licensing or preventive controls?CFIA guidance under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations indicates that food businesses may need an SFCR licence for importing/exporting prescribed commodities and that import licence holders may need a preventive control plan; chickpeas are explicitly listed among the pulse commodities referenced in the guidance.