KIKET stands for unleashing the local cultivation of chickpeas and fits within the project call ‘realisation protein strategy’ of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. The KIKET-project investigates whether and how local cultivation and processing of chickpeas in Flanders can be achieved.
These days,chickpeas are extremely popular and have many different uses, whether pure or processed, in a variety of delicious dishes. However, currently, the price of locally cultivated chickpeas is significantly higher than the current world market price due to the small scale of cultivation. To this day, the ideal scale of cultivation is unknown and determining that scale is the goal of our research.
The KIKET-project builds on the knowledge gained from the KIK-Love project regarding the optimisation of Flemish chickpea cultivation. In addition, the partners also want to investigate the willingness of the supply chain to switch to a Flemish chickpea, as well as the willingness to pay and the application options in order to determine the ideal scale.
KIKET draws on insights from the KIK-Love project and focuses on both cultivation and market development. Cultivation trials are being carried out to identify suitable varieties and cultivation techniques for Flanders. Commercial inoculums are also being tested. In addition, a supply chain was established in parallel, involving actors both before and after the farm, including processors and retailers. This should lead to the development of an inclusive business model with transparent pricing that encourages collaboration within the supply chain and builds trust.
The KIKET-project showed that the local cultivation and processing of chickpeas in Flanders is technically possible, but not yet profitable due to the high costs and the strongly fluctuating revenues (0 to 3-5 tons/ha). The project has made important progress in developing cultivation knowledge, selecting suitable varieties and improving mechanisation. In addition, a local supply chain was established which resulted in the successful commercialization of Flemish falafel and hummus. These results provide a basis for further enhancement of sustainability and economic strengthening of the supply chain.
The results offer concrete tools for farmers, processors and retailers who want to play a role in the Flemish chickpea supply chain. The business model and the collaboration within the supply chain can serve as a blueprint for other varieties or regional initiatives. Further optimisation of cultivation techniques and yield enhancement, independent of the season, are crucial in order to increase profitability and to secure a strong market position.
.jpg)