India may extend duty-free yellow pea imports by two months to keep prices of pulses under control

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Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. New Delhi: The government is considering extending duty-free import of yellow peas for a few more months, possibly until February, to help lower prices and address shortages of tur (pigeon pea) and chana (gram), two people familiar with the matter said. An official notification to this effect is expected soon, as duty-free import of yellow peas is currently allowed until the end of December.

The proposed move comes against the backdrop of lower yield expectations for tur in some of the major tur-growing states and is a short-term measure to stabilize prices for essential pulses. This is particularly relevant as the harvest of tur— a kharif crop—begins in December and January. “The extension will be for only a few months to keep the prices of pulses stable," the first person said.

According to the Agriculture Ministry's Rabi sowing data, the area covered by pulses has increased by 4.23%, reaching 12.06 million hectares (Mha) as of 6 December, compared to 11.57 Mha last year. This is expected to surpass the normal sown area of 14.04 Mha, driven by the high remunerative prices received by farmers last year. The body representing pulses traders has criticized the government’s proposed move, arguing that it is against the interests of both farmers and traders.

Traders' body claim such measures could disrupt market dynamics and negatively impact profitability for those involved in the pulses supply chain. “When we have sufficient pulses available, and the arrival of the fresh crop will start by the end of this month, I don’t see any necessity to extend the import period," said Bimal Kothari, chairman of the India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA). “Extending the duty-free import period