Chickpeas (Chana)
Chickpeas are our main product and the largest part of what we process.
Madhya Pradesh grows more chana than any other Indian state, and Ratlam is inside that belt. We buy during arrival, select lots on size and quality before purchase, and grade to whatever the buyer needs.
Kabuli Chana
White chickpeas / garbanzo. The larger, cream-coloured chickpea, sold by diameter. We supply the full range from 6mm to 12mm.
Kabuli specifications
Desi Chana (Bengal Gram)
The smaller, darker chickpea. Used across Indian dal milling and besan production, and in South Asian, Gulf and East African markets.
Used for: dal milling, besan, roasted gram, snack processing, retail packing
Packing
25 kg and 50 kg food-grade PP bags. Jute on request. Liners and buyer marking available. Approximately 26–27 MT in a 20ft container.
When to buy
Chana is a rabi crop — sown October to November, harvested February to April. Arrivals in Madhya Pradesh peak from March through May, when selection is widest. Buyers planning annual contracts usually do better booking against this window; we are happy to advise on timing.
Frequently asked questions
01Which Indian state produces the most chickpeas?
Madhya Pradesh produces more chana than any other Indian state. Ratlam, where our facility is located, sits inside the Malwa growing belt.
02What sizes of Kabuli chana are available from India?
Kabuli chickpeas are sold by diameter. We supply the full range from 6mm to 12mm: 6–7mm for milling and besan, 8mm for hummus and canning, 9–10mm for retail packing and foodservice, and 11–12mm for premium retail and gourmet use.
03What is the difference between Desi and Kabuli chickpeas?
Desi chana is smaller, darker and thicker-skinned, used mainly for dal milling, besan and roasted gram. Kabuli chana is larger, cream-coloured and thinner-skinned, used for canning, hummus and retail packing. Kabuli is graded by millimetre size; Desi generally is not.
04What is the HS code for chickpeas exported from India?
0713.20 covers both Desi and Kabuli chickpeas.
05When is the Indian chickpea harvest?
Chana is a rabi crop, sown October to November and harvested February to April. Arrivals in Madhya Pradesh mandis peak from March through May, which is when quality selection is widest.
06What moisture content should imported chickpeas have?
Our standard is 10–12% maximum. Higher moisture risks mould and insect damage in transit, particularly on long sea voyages.
07How many tonnes of chickpeas fit in a 20ft container?
Approximately 26–27 MT in 25kg or 50kg bags, depending on packing and whether the load is palletised.
08Can chickpeas be supplied sortex-sorted?
Yes. We run colour sortex in-house, which removes discoloured, damaged and off-colour grain optically. Machine-cleaned and sortex-sorted grades are both available.