Call for 50% Import Duty on Yellow Peas to Support Domestic Gram Prices

30-Apr-2025 01:11 PM

New Delhi. The Indian pulses industry and trade sector is urging the Central Government to impose a customs duty of at least 50% on yellow pea imports, to ensure their import cost aligns with the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of gram. The government has allowed duty-free import of yellow peas until May 31, 2025, but stakeholders argue that this is harming domestic gram producers.

The MSP of gram for the 2024–25 season has been fixed at Rs 5,650 per quintal, while the import cost of yellow peas currently stands between Rs 3,400 and Rs 3,550 per quintal, making them a much cheaper substitute for Desi gram.

The duty-free window, originally introduced in December 2023, has been extended seven times over the past 18 months, with the most recent extension granted in early March.

Now, with the domestic supply of pulses improving and prices declining, the industry believes continued duty-free imports are no longer necessary.

The India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) has strongly advocated for the imposition of a minimum 50% import duty, citing the surging inflow of yellow peas from countries like Canada and Russia, which has intensified competition in the market.

The availability of cheaper imported peas has put downward pressure on gram prices, directly affecting farmer income and the overall demand for other pulses.

Industry leaders warn that unless corrective measures are taken, the prolonged price drop in gram could worsen, making it harder for farmers to recover production costs and discouraging future sowing.