Ruqayyah Snyder
Lentils, an annual legume grown for their lens-shaped edible seeds, are one of the oldest domesticated crops, originating in southwest Asia. They can be grown in various soil types, from sand to clay loam, but grow best in deep sandy loam soils with moderate fertility and a pH of around 7. They are also unable to tolerate flooding or waterlogged conditions. In Australia, lentils are divided into two groups: red and green. They are mainly grown in the semi-arid regions of Victoria and South Australia, with winter-dominant rainfall patterns. While Australia is a major exporter of red lentils worldwide, the country has also seen a gradual increase in the area planted with green lentils.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin of lentils | South-West Asia |
| Types of lentils grown in Australia | Red and Green |
| Regions grown in Australia | Semi-arid regions of Victoria and South Australia |
| Climate conditions | Winter dominant rainfall patterns |
| Soil type | Deep sandy loam soils with moderate fertility |
| Soil pH | 7 |
| Watering | Do not tolerate flooding or water-logged conditions |
| Temperature | Temperate climates with low temperatures |
| Planting time | Winter and Spring |
| Harvesting time | Summer |
| Plant height | 40 cm |
| Seed type | Lens-shaped |
| Seed placement | Uniform depth with a firm, smooth seedbed |
| Seed yield | Higher yields in snowfall regions |
| Weed control | Croptopping |
| Diseases | Collectrichum truncatum |
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What You'll Learn
Australia's lentil varieties
Australia's lentil industry has benefited from the release of ever-improving varieties, which has given growers the confidence to cultivate this high-value crop. Lentils are one of the oldest domesticated crops, originating in southwest Asia. Lentils grown in Australia are divided into two groups—red and green—based on cotyledon colour. Each type has distinct end uses and different markets.
Australia is a significant producer of red lentils, with varying sizes available. The country also produces smaller quantities of medium and large green lentils and specialty lines, such as 'Duy', 'Black', and 'Spanish'. The area planted with green lentils is gradually increasing, and they are considered a niche crop in Australia.
The first traceable Australian foray into lentil agriculture came in the form of a 1966 proposal by the Tasmanian Department of Agriculture, which discussed the potential risks and benefits of growing lentils in Tasmania, particularly larger green varieties derived from European germplasm. While it took another 39 years for a cultivar intended for Tasmanian growers to be released, the study indicated that Australian lentil cultivation was possible and provided tangible evidence of an international market for the product.
Large-scale lentil farming in Australia has been attributed to Knights' 1987 proposal, which noted a small group of South Australian farmers growing large green lentils in the 1970s. This variety, known as 'Laird' in Australia, was a mixture of Canadian cv. Laird and an unknown line originally identified as Laird in Victoria but later called 'Spinner'. Another early variety was 'Kye', a small red lentil derived from Ethiopian germplasm.
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Ideal growing conditions
Australia is a significant producer and exporter of lentils, particularly red lentils, with the area planted for green lentils and specialty lentils such as 'Duy', 'Black', and 'Spanish' also gradually increasing. The ideal growing conditions for lentils in Australia are primarily found in the semi-arid regions of Victoria and South Australia, where a winter-dominant rainfall pattern is typical.
Lentils are a high-value pulse crop, with a premium price compared to other pulse crops like peas and beans. They are generally sown in paddocks designated for other pulse crops, such as chickpeas, faba beans, or vetches, no more than once every three years to prevent possible disease harbouring. Before sowing, it is important to ensure good soil moisture and coat the seeds with a group F inoculant. The sowing depth should be between 4 and 6 cm, which protects the seeds from herbicide damage and provides an optimal environment for rhizobium survival.
The target plant density for lentils is 120 to 150 plants per metre, with higher density rates recommended for lower rainfall areas and short-season environments. An ideal germination percentage is 80%, and if this is not achieved, sowing rates may need to be adjusted. Early sowing can increase potential yields but also increases the risk of crop lodging.
Lentils are prone to various diseases and pests, including Ascochyta blight, Botrytis grey mould, Phoma infection, and caterpillar damage. Management practices such as variety selection, seed treatment, and fungicide sprays are crucial to mitigating these issues. Additionally, standing cereal stubble can help improve overall harvest efficiency for lentils.
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Australian lentil exports
Australia is a significant producer and exporter of lentils, particularly red lentils, which make up virtually the entire Australian lentil crop. In 2022, Australia had a forecasted production of 924,000 metric tonnes of lentils across all varieties, with an average farm dressed price of AUD 800-1200 per metric tonne, resulting in an economic output of over 700 million AUD.
Lentils grown in Australia are divided into two main groups: red and green, with each type having distinct end uses and markets. Australia's lentil industry has benefited from the development of improved varieties that offer wider adaptation, better agronomic features, and higher yields. These advancements, along with improved crop management techniques, have given growers the confidence to cultivate this high-value crop. Lentils typically command a premium price compared to other pulse crops, such as peas and beans, and are in demand for human consumption worldwide.
The majority of Australia's lentil production is exported, with Turkey being a direct competitor in the red lentil market. In contrast, Canada is the largest exporter of lentils globally, with its crop accounting for about 75% of world trade, mostly in green lentils. However, Canadian exporters face significant hurdles when exporting to Australia due to strict biosecurity measures aimed at controlling the spread of plant diseases, such as Collectrichum truncatum, a fungal disease that attacks lentil plants. These measures include costly and time-consuming seed testing, processing, and labelling requirements.
While Australia exports lentils globally, the domestic market for lentils is also growing. The area planted with green lentils is gradually increasing, along with specialty lentils such as 'Duy', 'Black', and 'Spanish' varieties. Lentils are mainly grown in the semi-arid regions of Victoria and South Australia, where they thrive in winter-dominant rainfall patterns. Australian companies like Societa Cofica have been supplying quality Australian lentil products worldwide for over four decades, contributing to the country's position as a significant player in the global lentil trade.
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Australian lentil imports
Australia is a significant producer and exporter of red lentils, with exports reaching over 16 countries. India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are the principal importers, collectively consuming 91% of all lentil exports from Australia. In February 2024, Australia exported 278 shipments of lentils, marking a 121% year-on-year growth compared to February 2023.
While Australia is a major exporter of red lentils, it also imports lentils from other countries, particularly Canada, which is the leading global exporter of lentils. Canada supplies Australia with Laird Lentils and French Lentils, which are considered niche crops in Australia. The import of lentil seeds from Canada to Australia is subject to strict biosecurity measures to control the potential spread of diseases, such as Collectrichum truncatum, a fungus that attacks lentil plants. These measures include seed testing, bagging, and labelling, which are costly and time-consuming for Canadian exporters.
In addition to Canada, Australia also sources lentils from other countries. Turkey, for example, typically imports a significant volume of lentils, with Canada being its main supplier. However, Turkey has started to source lentils from Russia and Kazakhstan, which now account for 30-40% of its imports.
The global supply and demand for red lentils depend heavily on the production and yields of Australia and Canada. In 2024-25, Australia's production was affected by drought and frost, leading to a decrease in supply. Analysts predict that if Australia and Canada achieve average yields in 2025-26, the market will be well-balanced.
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Domestic demand and supply
Australia is a significant producer and exporter of lentils, specifically red lentils, which are exported worldwide. In 2022, the production of lentils across all varieties in Australia was forecasted to be 924,000 metric tonnes. The country also produces green lentils, but to a lesser extent, and they are considered a niche crop. The area planted with green lentils is gradually increasing, along with specialty lentils such as 'Duy', 'Black', and 'Spanish'.
Lentils grown in Australia are divided into two main groups: red and green, each with distinct end uses and markets. The choice of lentil variety for cultivation is crucial for improving profitability and productivity. Australia's lentil industry has benefited from the development of improved varieties that offer wider adaptation, better agronomic features, and higher yields.
Lentils are mainly grown in the semi-arid regions of Victoria and South Australia, where rainfall patterns are winter-dominant. They thrive in deep sandy loam soils with moderate fertility and a pH of around 7. However, lentil crops are sensitive to waterlogging and flooding.
The demand for lentils in Australia is gradually increasing, and they are a high-value crop, often commanding a premium price compared to other pulse crops. However, the country's lentil industry faces challenges, such as diseases like Collectrichum truncatum, which poses a significant risk to lentil plants. Additionally, climate conditions, such as droughts, can impact lentil production, as seen in 2018 when dry conditions led to low pulse plantings.
Australia's pulse crop plantings, including lentils, are also influenced by market forces and global trade policies. For instance, India's imposition of tariffs on chickpeas affected Australia's exports and inventories. Overall, Australia's lentil production and supply are shaped by a combination of domestic demand, climate conditions, disease management, and global market dynamics.
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Frequently asked questions
Lentils are an annual legume grown for their lens-shaped edible seeds. They are about 40 cm (16 inches) tall, and the seeds grow in pods, usually with two seeds in each.
Lentils in Australia are mainly grown in the semi-arid regions of Victoria and South Australia with winter-dominant rainfall patterns. They are also grown in small quantities in New South Wales.
Australian lentils are divided into two groups: red and green, based on cotyledon colour. The area planted with green lentils is gradually increasing, as is the area of specialty lentils such as 'Duy', 'Black', and 'Spanish'. Australia is a major exporter of red lentils worldwide.
In temperate climates, lentils are planted in winter and spring under low temperatures, and vegetative growth occurs in later spring and summer. Rainfall during this time is not limited. Lentils grow best in deep sandy loam soils with moderate fertility and a pH of around 7. They do not tolerate flooding or waterlogged conditions.
