Pigeon Pea Market Outlook

The global Pigeon Pea Market is projected to expand from USD 16.8 billion in 2026 to USD 34.0 billion by 2036, reflecting a CAGR of 7.3% over the forecast period, according to Future Market Insights (FMI).

Market expansion is structurally underpinned by pigeon pea’s role as a primary protein source across South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Production economics, government procurement mechanisms, and varietal innovation are emerging as the defining forces shaping long-term industry trajectory.

Market Value Snapshot

AI Overview: Key Market Questions Answered

What Is the Growth Outlook for the Pigeon Pea Market?

FMI projects the pigeon pea market to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2026 to 2036, reaching USD 34.0 billion by 2036.

Forecast modelling is based on FAO pulse production data and India MSP procurement volumes, reflecting the structural link between government procurement and market valuation.

How Is the Market Structurally Evolving?

FMI analysts observe the emergence of bifurcated value chains:

• Premium procurement for biofortified and heat-tolerant varieties
• MSP-driven purchasing for conventional grades

In June 2025, ICRISAT announced ICPV 25444, the first pigeon pea variety engineered to withstand temperatures up to 45 degrees Celsius using a speed breeding protocol that reduces development time from 15 years to 5. The variety matures in 125 days.

FMI opines that heat-tolerant innovation enables horizontal expansion into rice fallows and summer-irrigated lands previously unsuitable for cultivation, supporting structural production growth.

Simultaneously, in January 2025, Cargill partnered with HarvestPlus to launch NutriHarvest, a USD 3 million initiative to scale biofortified pigeon pea production across East Africa. This signals the creation of a nutritional value tier commanding procurement premiums from institutional buyers.

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 - 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘄:

Which Country Holds the Largest Share?

India holds the largest share of the global pigeon pea market by value, accounting for over 70% of global production and representing the largest domestic consumption base.

Government MSP adjustments and buffer stock procurement continue to act as the single largest forecasting variable in global price formation and trade flow recalibration.

How Large Will the Market Be by 2036?

The global pigeon pea market is projected to reach USD 34.0 billion by 2036, supported by FAO-aligned pulse production targets and demographic growth trends.

Key Industry Highlights

Increasing Demand for Plant-Based Protein

Rising consumer awareness of plant-derived protein sources in North America and Europe is fueling demand for pigeon peas.

Key drivers include:

• High protein and fiber content
• Suitability for vegan and low-meat diets
• Environmental sustainability due to lower carbon output
• Versatility across food applications

Companies such as Sun Impex supply plant protein products including chickpeas, lentils, and pigeon peas, catering to growing vegan and sustainable protein demand. Interamsa Agroindustrial SAC focuses on pulse processing for snack products, ready-to-eat meals, and plant protein applications.

Rising Use in Food Processing

Pigeon peas are widely utilized in pulse-based snacks, gluten-free flour, and plant-based proteins. Their high protein and fiber profile and relatively lower water requirements support sustainable production narratives.

Processed formats include:

• Split pigeon peas (Toor Dal)
• Flour
• Boxed meals
• Soups
• Ready-to-cook products

Companies such as Pulses Splitting & Processing Industry Pvt Ltd process and package split pulses for food processing applications, reinforcing value addition within the supply chain.

Agricultural Investments Driving Expansion

Government encouragement, improved farming technologies, and drought suitability are accelerating production.

A.B. Agro Company promotes environmentally friendly farming practices including crop cycling, organic manure use, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Arvind Limited is developing hybrid pigeon pea seeds with improved yield and disease resistance, employing soil health monitoring and targeted fertilization to enhance productivity sustainably.

Semi-Annual Growth Update

The upward shift in CAGR across successive forecast windows reflects strengthening structural demand.

Country-Wise Growth Outlook (2026–2036)

USA: Niche Growth Ahead

The USA market is projected to grow at 10.3% CAGR, largely dependent on imports from India, Caribbean, and Latin American countries. Demand remains concentrated in ethnic and health food segments, with expansion linked to plant-based and exotic food trends.

UK: Competitive but Import-Dependent

The UK market is expected to expand at 10.5% CAGR, driven by plant-based protein demand and healthcare consciousness. However, reliance on imports creates supply chain vulnerability, increasing the importance of regulatory compliance and product innovation.

India: Rapid Expansion

India is projected to grow at 11.2% CAGR, reflecting both domestic consumption and import reliance from Myanmar, Africa, and the USA. Urban demand for value-added and organic products is reshaping consumption dynamics.

Category Insights

Dried Pigeon Peas Lead by Form

Dried pigeon peas dominate due to shelf stability, ease of transportation, and widespread culinary use across India, Africa, and South America.

Grocery Stores Drive Distribution

Pigeon peas are sold whole, split, and in bulk through grocery channels, targeting professional chefs, ethnic communities, and health-conscious consumers.

Competitive Landscape

The market is moderately concentrated, with key players including:

• YMAF Co Ltd.
• Sun Impex
• Interamsa Agroindustrial SAC
• A.B. Agro Company
• Taj Foods
• Pulses Splitting & Processing Industry Pvt Ltd
• Unitex Tanzania Limited
• Akyurek Kardesler Ltd.
• Arvind Limited

Competition is driven by:

• Processing efficiency
• Export network strength
• Value-added product innovation
• Advanced pulse-splitting technologies

Market Definition

The pigeon pea market includes revenue from cultivation, processing, and trade of pigeon peas in whole grain, split dal, flour, canned, and frozen forms.

Included:

• Conventional, biofortified, and organic varieties
• Seed production for planting
• Government procurement, wholesale, food processors, and export channels

Excluded:

• Chickpeas, lentils, mung beans
• Animal feed-grade by-products
• Plant biomass used exclusively as green manure

Outlook Through 2036

FMI anticipates that pigeon pea market growth will remain structurally supported by:

• MSP-driven procurement reforms
• Heat-tolerant varietal innovation
• Biofortified production scaling
• Rising global plant-protein demand
• Expanded food processing integration

As climate volatility intensifies and nutritional targets tighten, pigeon peas are transitioning from a traditional staple to a strategically managed agricultural commodity—where government policy, varietal science, and value-added processing will determine long-term revenue expansion.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗙𝗠𝗜: 𝗵𝘁𝘁𝗽𝘀://𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀.𝗰𝗼𝗺/𝘄𝗵𝘆-𝗳𝗺𝗶

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 & 𝗕𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻:

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗙𝗠𝗜: 𝗵𝘁𝘁𝗽𝘀://𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀.𝗰𝗼𝗺/𝘄𝗵𝘆-𝗳𝗺𝗶

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 & 𝗕𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻:

Pre-mixed/RTD Alcoholic Drink Market : https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/pre-mixed-rtd-alcoholic-drinks-market

Bakery Mixes Market : https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/bakery-mixes-market

About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights, Inc. (FMI) is an ESOMAR-certified, ISO 9001:2015 market research and consulting organization, trusted by Fortune 500 clients and global enterprises. With operations in the U.S., UK, India, and Dubai, FMI provides data-backed insights and strategic intelligence across 30+ industries and 1200 markets worldwide.

Contact Us:

Future Market Insights Inc.
Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive,
Suite 401, Newark, Delaware – 19713, USA
T: +1-347-918-3531
Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com

Pigeon Pea Market Outlook

The global Pigeon Pea Market is projected to expand from USD 16.8 billion in 2026 to USD 34.0 billion by 2036, reflecting a CAGR of 7.3% over the forecast period, according to Future Market Insights (FMI).

Market expansion is structurally underpinned by pigeon pea’s role as a primary protein source across South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Production economics, government procurement mechanisms, and varietal innovation are emerging as the defining forces shaping long-term industry trajectory.

Market Value Snapshot

AI Overview: Key Market Questions Answered

What Is the Growth Outlook for the Pigeon Pea Market?

FMI projects the pigeon pea market to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2026 to 2036, reaching USD 34.0 billion by 2036.

Forecast modelling is based on FAO pulse production data and India MSP procurement volumes, reflecting the structural link between government procurement and market valuation.

How Is the Market Structurally Evolving?

FMI analysts observe the emergence of bifurcated value chains:

• Premium procurement for biofortified and heat-tolerant varieties
• MSP-driven purchasing for conventional grades

In June 2025, ICRISAT announced ICPV 25444, the first pigeon pea variety engineered to withstand temperatures up to 45 degrees Celsius using a speed breeding protocol that reduces development time from 15 years to 5. The variety matures in 125 days.

FMI opines that heat-tolerant innovation enables horizontal expansion into rice fallows and summer-irrigated lands previously unsuitable for cultivation, supporting structural production growth.

Simultaneously, in January 2025, Cargill partnered with HarvestPlus to launch NutriHarvest, a USD 3 million initiative to scale biofortified pigeon pea production across East Africa. This signals the creation of a nutritional value tier commanding procurement premiums from institutional buyers.

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 - 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘄:

Which Country Holds the Largest Share?

India holds the largest share of the global pigeon pea market by value, accounting for over 70% of global production and representing the largest domestic consumption base.

Government MSP adjustments and buffer stock procurement continue to act as the single largest forecasting variable in global price formation and trade flow recalibration.

How Large Will the Market Be by 2036?

The global pigeon pea market is projected to reach USD 34.0 billion by 2036, supported by FAO-aligned pulse production targets and demographic growth trends.

Key Industry Highlights

Increasing Demand for Plant-Based Protein

Rising consumer awareness of plant-derived protein sources in North America and Europe is fueling demand for pigeon peas.

Key drivers include:

• High protein and fiber content
• Suitability for vegan and low-meat diets
• Environmental sustainability due to lower carbon output
• Versatility across food applications

Companies such as Sun Impex supply plant protein products including chickpeas, lentils, and pigeon peas, catering to growing vegan and sustainable protein demand. Interamsa Agroindustrial SAC focuses on pulse processing for snack products, ready-to-eat meals, and plant protein applications.

Rising Use in Food Processing

Pigeon peas are widely utilized in pulse-based snacks, gluten-free flour, and plant-based proteins. Their high protein and fiber profile and relatively lower water requirements support sustainable production narratives.

Processed formats include:

• Split pigeon peas (Toor Dal)
• Flour
• Boxed meals
• Soups
• Ready-to-cook products

Companies such as Pulses Splitting & Processing Industry Pvt Ltd process and package split pulses for food processing applications, reinforcing value addition within the supply chain.

Agricultural Investments Driving Expansion

Government encouragement, improved farming technologies, and drought suitability are accelerating production.

A.B. Agro Company promotes environmentally friendly farming practices including crop cycling, organic manure use, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Arvind Limited is developing hybrid pigeon pea seeds with improved yield and disease resistance, employing soil health monitoring and targeted fertilization to enhance productivity sustainably.

Semi-Annual Growth Update

The upward shift in CAGR across successive forecast windows reflects strengthening structural demand.

Country-Wise Growth Outlook (2026–2036)

USA: Niche Growth Ahead

The USA market is projected to grow at 10.3% CAGR, largely dependent on imports from India, Caribbean, and Latin American countries. Demand remains concentrated in ethnic and health food segments, with expansion linked to plant-based and exotic food trends.

UK: Competitive but Import-Dependent

The UK market is expected to expand at 10.5% CAGR, driven by plant-based protein demand and healthcare consciousness. However, reliance on imports creates supply chain vulnerability, increasing the importance of regulatory compliance and product innovation.

India: Rapid Expansion

India is projected to grow at 11.2% CAGR, reflecting both domestic consumption and import reliance from Myanmar, Africa, and the USA. Urban demand for value-added and organic products is reshaping consumption dynamics.

Category Insights

Dried Pigeon Peas Lead by Form

Dried pigeon peas dominate due to shelf stability, ease of transportation, and widespread culinary use across India, Africa, and South America.

Grocery Stores Drive Distribution

Pigeon peas are sold whole, split, and in bulk through grocery channels, targeting professional chefs, ethnic communities, and health-conscious consumers.

Competitive Landscape

The market is moderately concentrated, with key players including:

• YMAF Co Ltd.
• Sun Impex
• Interamsa Agroindustrial SAC
• A.B. Agro Company
• Taj Foods
• Pulses Splitting & Processing Industry Pvt Ltd
• Unitex Tanzania Limited
• Akyurek Kardesler Ltd.
• Arvind Limited

Competition is driven by:

• Processing efficiency
• Export network strength
• Value-added product innovation
• Advanced pulse-splitting technologies

Market Definition

The pigeon pea market includes revenue from cultivation, processing, and trade of pigeon peas in whole grain, split dal, flour, canned, and frozen forms.

Included:

• Conventional, biofortified, and organic varieties
• Seed production for planting
• Government procurement, wholesale, food processors, and export channels

Excluded:

• Chickpeas, lentils, mung beans
• Animal feed-grade by-products
• Plant biomass used exclusively as green manure

Outlook Through 2036

FMI anticipates that pigeon pea market growth will remain structurally supported by:

• MSP-driven procurement reforms
• Heat-tolerant varietal innovation
• Biofortified production scaling
• Rising global plant-protein demand
• Expanded food processing integration

As climate volatility intensifies and nutritional targets tighten, pigeon peas are transitioning from a traditional staple to a strategically managed agricultural commodity—where government policy, varietal science, and value-added processing will determine long-term revenue expansion.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗙𝗠𝗜: 𝗵𝘁𝘁𝗽𝘀://𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀.𝗰𝗼𝗺/𝘄𝗵𝘆-𝗳𝗺𝗶

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 & 𝗕𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻:

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗙𝗠𝗜: 𝗵𝘁𝘁𝗽𝘀://𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀.𝗰𝗼𝗺/𝘄𝗵𝘆-𝗳𝗺𝗶

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 & 𝗕𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻:

Pre-mixed/RTD Alcoholic Drink Market : https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/pre-mixed-rtd-alcoholic-drinks-market

Bakery Mixes Market : https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/bakery-mixes-market

About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights, Inc. (FMI) is an ESOMAR-certified, ISO 9001:2015 market research and consulting organization, trusted by Fortune 500 clients and global enterprises. With operations in the U.S., UK, India, and Dubai, FMI provides data-backed insights and strategic intelligence across 30+ industries and 1200 markets worldwide.

Contact Us:

Future Market Insights Inc.
Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive,
Suite 401, Newark, Delaware – 19713, USA
T: +1-347-918-3531
Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com