Chickpea Processing Plant

Chickpea Processing Plant Project Report (DPR) Summary:

IMARC Group's comprehensive DPR report, titled "Chickpea Processing Plant Project Report 2026: Industry Trends, Plant Setup, Machinery, Raw Materials, Investment Opportunities, Cost and Revenue," provides a complete roadmap for setting up a chickpea processing unit. The chickpea market is driven by rising demand for plant-based protein, increasing consumption of pulses in traditional and modern diets, expanding use in snack and ready-to-eat products, growing export opportunities, and heightened awareness regarding high-fiber and gluten-free food ingredients. The global chickpea market size was volumed at 22.5 Million Tons in 2025. According to IMARC Group estimates, the market is expected to reach 33.5 Million Tons by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.39% from 2026 to 2034.

This feasibility report covers a comprehensive market overview to micro-level information such as unit operations involved, raw material requirements, utility requirements, infrastructure requirements, machinery and technology requirements, manpower requirements, packaging requirements, transportation requirements, etc.

The chickpea processing plant setup cost is provided in detail covering project economics, capital investments (CapEx), project funding, operating expenses (OpEx), income and expenditure projections, fixed costs vs. variable costs, direct and indirect costs, expected ROI and net present value (NPV), profit and loss account, financial analysis, etc.

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What is Chickpea?

Chickpea, also known as garbanzo bean, is a leguminous plant scientifically classified as Cicer arietinum. Worldwide, people use its edible seeds as their primary food because these seeds contain high amounts of protein, fiber, essential vitamins and minerals. The two main types of chickpeas are desi and kabuli, where desi chickpeas have smaller size, darker appearance and rough outer skin while kabuli chickpeas have larger size, lighter color and smooth outer skin. They are commonly used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and curries. Chickpeas are also ground into chickpea flour (besan) for use in baking and cooking. The plant-based food contains health benefits because it helps with digestion and promotes heart health.

Key Investment Highlights

• Process Used: Raw chickpea cleaning and grading, destoning, dehusking, splitting (for dal), roasting (if required), milling (for flour), sieving, quality testing, packaging, and storage.
• End-use Industries: Food and beverage manufacturers, snack producers, flour mills, bakery companies, food service providers, and retail distributors.
• Applications: Used in production of chickpea flour, roasted snacks, split dal, ready-to-cook products, protein-rich food formulations, and traditional cuisines.

Chickpea Plant Capacity:

The proposed processing facility is designed with an annual processing capacity ranging between 10,000 - 30,000 MT, enabling economies of scale while maintaining operational flexibility.

Chickpea Plant Profit Margins:

The project demonstrates healthy profitability potential under normal operating conditions. Gross profit margins typically range between 25-35%, supported by stable demand and value-added applications.

• Gross Profit: 25-35%
• Net Profit: 12-18%

Chickpea Plant Cost Analysis:

The operating cost structure of a chickpea processing plant is primarily driven by raw material consumption, particularly raw chickpeas, which accounts for approximately 75-85% of total operating expenses (OpEx).

• Raw Materials: 75-85% of OpEx
• Utilities: 5-10% of OpEx

Financial Projection:

The financial projections for the proposed project have been developed based on realistic assumptions related to capital investment, operating costs, production capacity utilization, pricing trends, and demand outlook. These projections provide a comprehensive view of the project’s financial viability, ROI, profitability, and long-term sustainability.

Major Applications:

• Chickpea Flour (Besan): Commonly used in bakery, snacks, and traditional dishes for its nutritional benefits and versatility.
• Split Chickpeas (Chana Dal): Used in home cooking and food service for making soups, dals, and curries.
• Roasted Chickpeas: Promoted as a high-protein, healthy snack alternative, often flavored for consumer appeal.
• Protein-Based Food Products: Incorporated into plant-based and gluten-free recipes to enhance protein content and nutritional value.

Why Chickpea Processing?

• Rising Plant-Based Protein Demand: Increasing consumer preference for vegetarian and vegan protein sources.
• Strong Domestic Consumption: Pulses are essential staples in many regions, forming a key part of daily diets.
• Export Opportunities: Global demand for chickpeas and processed pulse products is increasing, opening export markets.
• Value Addition Potential: Processing pulses into products like flour and snacks increases profit margins over raw sales.
• Government Support for Pulses: Agricultural policies and incentives promote pulse production and processing, fostering industry growth and stability.

Transforming Vision into Reality:

This report provides the comprehensive blueprint needed to transform your chickpea processing vision into a technologically advanced and highly profitable reality.

Chickpea Industry Outlook 2026:

The chickpea market is experiencing significant growth, driven by rising health awareness and demand for high-protein, high-fiber foods. According to NIQ, consumers are becoming more proactive about their health, with 70% globally believing they actively manage their well-being. Similarly, 55% of consumers are willing to spend over USD 100 monthly on improved nutrition, self-care, and physical and mental health. Food manufacturers are increasing their use of chickpea flour to create gluten-free products and plant-based products which match the rising consumer demand for healthier food options. Snack companies are launching roasted and flavored chickpea variants as a response to changing preferences in consumer behavior. North America Europe and the Middle East show strong demand for chickpeas which continues to drive export business. Companies use advanced storage systems, grading technologies and processing technologies to achieve better product quality while their system helps them decrease post-harvest losses and improve their production capabilities. The improvements create two benefits because they raise the value of chickpeas, and they drive market growth. The chickpea market will continue to thrive as consumer demand for nutritious plant-based products expands.

Leading Chickpea Processors:

Leading processors in the global chickpea industry include several multinational companies with extensive processing capacities and diverse application portfolios. Key players include:

• AGT Food and Ingredients Inc.
• Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)
• Cargill Incorporated
• BroadGrain Commodities Inc.
• Bunge Limited
• The Scoular Company
• Ebro Foods S.A.
• AGT Foods Australia

all of which serve end-use sectors such as food and beverage manufacturers, snack producers, flour mills, bakery companies, food service providers, and retail distributors.

How to Setup a Chickpea Processing Plant?

Setting up a chickpea processing plant requires evaluating several key factors, including technological requirements and quality assurance.

Some of the critical considerations include:

• Detailed Process Flow: The processing process is a multi-step operation that involves several unit operations, material handling, and quality checks. Below are the main stages involved in the chickpea processing procedure flow:
  • Unit Operations Involved
  • Mass Balance and Raw Material Requirements
  • Quality Assurance Criteria
  • Technical Tests
     
• Site Selection: The location must offer easy access to key raw materials such as raw chickpeas and water. Proximity to target markets will help minimize distribution costs. The site must have robust infrastructure, including reliable transportation, utilities, and waste management systems. Compliance with local zoning laws and environmental regulations must also be ensured.​
   
• Plant Layout Optimization: The layout should be optimized to enhance workflow efficiency, safety, and minimize material handling. Separate areas for raw material storage, production, quality control, and finished goods storage must be designated. Space for future expansion should be incorporated to accommodate business growth.​
   
• Equipment Selection: High-quality, corrosion-resistant machinery tailored for chickpea processing must be selected. Key machinery includes cleaning and grading machines, destoners, dehusking units, splitters, roasting equipment, pulverizers or flour mills, sieving machines, packaging machines, and storage silos. All machinery must comply with industry standards for safety, efficiency, and reliability.​
   
• Raw Material Sourcing: Reliable suppliers must be secured for raw materials like raw chickpeas and water to ensure consistent production quality. Minimizing transportation costs by selecting nearby suppliers is essential. Sustainability and supply chain risks must be assessed, and long-term contracts should be negotiated to stabilize pricing and ensure a steady supply.
   
• Safety and Environmental Compliance: Safety protocols must be implemented throughout the processing procedure of chickpea. Advanced monitoring systems should be installed to detect leaks or deviations in the process. Effluent treatment systems are necessary to minimize environmental impact and ensure compliance with emission standards.​
   
• Quality Assurance Systems: A comprehensive quality management system should be implemented across all stages of operations to ensure consistent product and service standards. Appropriate testing, monitoring, and validation processes must be established to evaluate performance, safety, reliability, and compliance with applicable regulatory and industry requirements. Standard operating procedures (SOPs), documentation protocols, and traceability mechanisms should be maintained to support transparency, risk management, and continuous improvement. Regular audits, inspections, and corrective action frameworks should also be integrated to enhance overall operational excellence.

Project Economics:

​Establishing and operating a chickpea processing plant involves various cost components, including:​

• Capital Investment: The total capital investment depends on plant capacity, technology, and location. This investment covers land acquisition, site preparation, and necessary infrastructure.
   
• Equipment Costs: Equipment costs, such as those for cleaning and grading machines, destoners, dehusking units, splitters, roasting equipment, pulverizers or flour mills, sieving machines, packaging machines, and storage silos, represent a significant portion of capital expenditure. The scale of production and automation level will determine the total cost of machinery.​
   
• Raw Material Expenses: Raw materials, including core ingredients like raw chickpeas and water, are a major part of operating costs. Long-term contracts with reliable suppliers will help mitigate price volatility and ensure a consistent supply of materials.​
   
• Infrastructure and Utilities: Costs associated with land acquisition, construction, and utilities (electricity, water, steam) must be considered in the financial plan.
   
• Operational Costs: Ongoing expenses for labor, maintenance, quality control, and environmental compliance must be accounted for. Optimizing processes and providing staff training can help control these operational costs.​
   
• Financial Planning: A detailed financial analysis, including income projections, expenditures, and break-even points, must be conducted. This analysis aids in securing funding and formulating a clear financial strategy. 

Capital Expenditure (CapEx) and Operational Expenditure (OpEx) Analysis:

Capital Investment (CapEx): Machinery costs account for the largest portion of the total capital expenditure. The cost of land and site development, including charges for land registration, boundary development, and other related expenses, forms a substantial part of the overall investment. This allocation ensures a solid foundation for safe and efficient plant operations.

Operating Expenditure (OpEx): In the first year of operations, the operating cost for the chickpea processing plant is projected to be significant, covering raw materials, utilities, depreciation, taxes, packing, transportation, and repairs and maintenance. By the fifth year, the total operational cost is expected to increase substantially due to factors such as inflation, market fluctuations, and potential rises in the cost of key materials. Additional factors, including supply chain disruptions, rising consumer demand, and shifts in the global economy, are expected to contribute to this increase.

Capital Expenditure Breakdown:

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Operational Expenditure Breakdown:

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Profitability Analysis: 

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Latest Industry Developments:

• September 2025: Shandi Global, a food technology company from Singapore, introduced its chickpea-based plant protein product Chanza to the Indian market. The product contains no soy or gluten or artificial binders which enables it to replicate meat chunks that can be used in Indian cuisine. The company will start selling its products to consumers in 2026 after it establishes business partnerships.
   
• October 2025: Kraft Heinz introduced Spiced Chickpea Big Soup as their first plant-based winter meal for the UK market. The dish contains chickpeas, carrots, potatoes and spices to satisfy increasing consumer interest in plant-based food options. The soup is available at select retailers with introductory promotions and a price of GBP 2.20 per can.

Report Coverage:

Report Customization

While we have aimed to create an all-encompassing chickpea plant project report, we acknowledge that individual stakeholders may have unique demands. Thus, we offer customized report options that cater to your specific requirements. Our consultants are available to discuss your business requirements, and we can tailor the report's scope accordingly. Some of the common customizations that we are frequently requested to make by our clients include:

• The report can be customized based on the location (country/region) of your plant.
• The plant’s capacity can be customized based on your requirements.
• Plant machinery and costs can be customized based on your requirements.
• Any additions to the current scope can also be provided based on your requirements.

Why Buy IMARC Reports?

• The insights provided in our reports enable stakeholders to make informed business decisions by assessing the feasibility of a business venture.
• Our extensive network of consultants, raw material suppliers, machinery suppliers and subject matter experts spans over 100+ countries across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, Africa, and the Middle East.
• Our cost modeling team can assist you in understanding the most complex materials. With domain experts across numerous categories, we can assist you in determining how sensitive each component of the cost model is and how it can affect the final cost and prices.
• We keep a constant track of land costs, construction costs, utility costs, and labor costs across 100+ countries and update them regularly.
• Our client base consists of over 3000 organizations, including prominent corporations, governments, and institutions, who rely on us as their trusted business partners. Our clientele varies from small and start-up businesses to Fortune 500 companies.
• Our strong in-house team of engineers, statisticians, modeling experts, chartered accountants, architects, etc. has played a crucial role in constructing, expanding, and optimizing sustainable processing plants worldwide.