CACP stresses the need to increase import duty on pulses

03-Oct-2025 08:47 PM

New Delhi. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), the body that recommends minimum support prices (MSPs) for various crops, has now stressed the need for a substantial increase in import duty on Rabi season pulses like chickpea and lentils, and a complete ban on the import of yellow peas.

In its recent report on the price policy for Rabi crops for the 2026-27 marketing season, the Commission recommended the government take concrete measures to curb foreign imports to boost domestic pulse production.

The report states that imports of pigeon pea, black gram, and yellow peas have been made duty-free until March 31, 2026, while only a 10-11 percent import duty is applicable on chickpea and lentils.

Consequently, pulse prices are under significant pressure in the domestic market. The area under cultivation of pigeon pea, green gram, and moth gram lagged behind last year's kharif season.

If farmers, discouraged by weak market prices, sow gram and lentils in smaller areas, India will be forced to import large quantities of pulses from abroad, and the goal of self-sufficiency in pulse production will be significantly missed.

Farmers must receive high and profitable prices for pulses, only then will their enthusiasm and interest in pulse cultivation increase.

The central government has approved a mission for self-sufficiency in pulses and has also approved a budget of ₹11,440 crore for this, which is a good initiative. However, other aspects should not be overlooked.