Australian mungbeans in strong demand
AUST ALIAN MUN EANS are exported all around the world, finding their way to the most prestigious restaurants of New ork City, to the bazaars of Pakistan and everywhere in between. Such a diverse market demands specialised marketing. High prices over the last two years have caused increased production within many of the countries that are traditional markets for Australian product. As a result of increased supply, a correction in price for green mungbean has recently experienced. This correction in price is likely to see reduced production in some countries, which could easily change the world supply and demand position. Production in Myanmar is forecast to be down to 1 0,000 tonnes, almost half of their production last year, opening up opportunities in Australia s traditional Asian markets. In June, India introduced an import restriction of 300,000 tonnes of mungbeans per fiscal year (starting on the 1st April each year). However, Australia is in a good position to be the preferred supplier for the Indian quota. James Hunt of Australian Choice Exports is confident that prices will hold up, with demand looking good and prices are stable. Stocks of the 2016 1 crop have been sold and with very little spring crop planted, demand is expected to be strong on the world markets when the Australian crop is harvested in March through to June. Demand is usually strongest during the Australian harvest period and can drop off slightly as other countries begin their harvest seasons. y working closely with an AMA member or marketer, growers can reduce their marketing risk and get the best value possible for their mungbean crop. The large shiny green mungbean varieties such as Jade-AU and Crystal have taken Australia onto the world stage and will continue to dominate the Australian industry, providing high yield and reduced production risk. AMA president Mark Schmidt said that while most growers were familiar with these varieties, opportunities also exist for growing specialty mungbean varieties such as Celera II-AU, Satin II and the new black gram, Onyx-AU. Celera II-AU is a small seeded variety that normally receives a premium over the large seeded varieties and has the best resistance to halo blight out of all current varieties. Satin II is the preferred sprouting variety with established local and export markets. There is strong demand for high quality product meeting sprouter s specifications. lack gram varieties egur and Onyx-AU are well sought after in a whole range of markets from sprouting to processing for dhal. OnyxAU has a yield advantage over egur and is a direct replacement for this older variety. As with all niche crops it is important to consult with your marketer prior to planting and establish the market requirements.