Minister’s visit over chickpeas

FEDERAL Agriculture Minister David Littleproud’s announcement that he will travel to India in an attempt to a resolve a trade dispute over chickpea imports is a cause for optimism within the local industry, according to one expert.

AgForce Grains president Wayne Newton said India’s decision to slap a 30 per cent tariff on Australian chickpeas was a devastating blow for Queensland grain growers, who produced 86% of the nation’s chickpea exports - an industry worth $240 million to our region.

“Chickpeas are Queensland’s fastest growing export product, increasing by more than 300% in 2016-17 to be worth almost $800 million, largely through demand from India,” he said.

“Chickpeas now make up almost half of our total bulk export grain market, and the growth in these exports has contributed to Queensland becoming the most valuable agricultural state in the country.

“A 30% import tariff will slash growers’ incomes into the future, and what’s even worse, is that an estimated 200,000 tonnes of chickpeas and lentils were already on their way to India when this decision was announced in late December.”