Brazil aims for self-sufficiency in chickpeas and lentils

Brazil, traditionally recognized as one of the largest producers and consumers of beans in the world, is undergoing a silent transformation in its pulses market. In addition to traditional rice and beans, producers, researchers and the industry are beginning to focus attention on crops such as chickpeas, lentils and peas, in a move that could reduce dependence on imports and open up new export opportunities.

The assessment is contained in a report released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which highlights the growth of the Brazilian pulses market - a group that brings together dried legumes intended for human consumption, such as beans, lentils, peas and chickpeas. Currently, although the country is self-sufficient in bean production, it still depends heavily on imports to supply the domestic market with other legumes.

National production gains strength

According to the document, chickpeas are one of the crops that arouse the most interest among Brazilian producers. National production is still small, but has been growing in states such as Goiás, Minas Gerais, Bahia, Mato Grosso and the Federal District.

The advance is driven mainly by the work of Empraba, which developed varieties adapted to Brazilian climatic conditions. The objective is to make the culture more productive and competitive compared to the main international suppliers.

Currently, Brazil imports practically all the chickpeas consumed in the country, with emphasis on suppliers from Argentina and Mexico.

The lentil follows a similar scenario. Domestic production is still limited and mainly concentrated in the South region, but research seeks to adapt the crop to the Cerrado through irrigated systems. The USDA's expectation is that the legume will become a viable alternative for crop rotation with soybeans and corn, adding income to the producer during the off-season.

Plant-based market boosts peas

Another expanding segment is peas. Although the cultivated area is still small, the product is gaining importance not only for fresh consumption or industrialization, but also as a raw material for vegetable protein-based foods.

The growth of the plant-based food sector has increased the demand for ingredients derived from peas, a trend observed in several global markets. The report points out that this demand could stimulate new investments in national production in the coming years.

From importer to potential exporter

One of the most relevant conclusions of the study is that Brazil is beginning to work to stop being just a buyer of pulses and position itself as an exporter in the future.

"The country is expanding domestic production with the aim of achieving self-sufficiency and competing in international markets in the near future", highlights the document.

The movement occurs at a time of growth in Brazilian legume exports. In 2025, the sector's foreign sales increased 30% compared to the previous year, reaching US$443.3 million and more than 533 thousand tons exported.

Much of this growth was driven by varieties little consumed domestically, such as mung beans, whose demand is strongly driven by the Indian market.

The bean paradox

While new legumes are gaining ground, traditional beans face a worrying challenge: the drop in consumption.

Data cited in the report reinforce what the National Supply Company has already disclosed, that per capita consumption of beans in Brazil has fallen by around 50% in recent decades. If in the 1960s and 1970s each Brazilian consumed, on average, 23 kilos per year, currently this volume is between 12 and 13 kilos per year.

Among the factors identified for this reduction are changes in the population's lifestyle habits, the reduction in time available for cooking, the increase in meals outside the home and the growth in consumption of industrialized and ultra-processed foods.

Despite this, rice and beans continue to be pillars of the Brazilian diet and remain among the most consumed foods in the country, playing a fundamental role in national food security.

Agro Connection: Brazil seeks to expand bean trade to India | CNN PRIME TIME

Challenges ahead

The sector's advancement still faces important obstacles. Among them are climate fluctuations, competition with more profitable crops such as soybeans and corn, high costs of imported fertilizers, phytosanitary problems and logistical limitations.

Even so, the USDA sees room for growth, especially with the adoption of more productive varieties, expansion of irrigation and development of niches focused on special, organic and higher value-added products.

"The Brazilian pinto bean sector presents significant growth opportunities. Improved varieties with disease resistance and higher productivity can boost productivity and reduce losses. The adoption of technologies continues to improve productivity across the sector, making producers more competitive and efficient. In this sense, the expansion of irrigated production can help stabilize supply and reduce climate-related risks. Additionally, a growing market for specialty and organic beans can offer export potential, allowing them to achieve premium prices in international markets," says the text.

Source: CNN