Changes in Pea Import Policy – What's Next?

30-May-2025 09:51 AM

Changes in Pea Import Policy – What's Next?
★ On December 8, 2023, a circular was issued allowing duty-free import of peas at any port, initially valid until March 31, 2024.
★ On December 23, 2024, a second circular extended the import window to April 30, 2024.
★ Exactly two months later, the third extension moved the deadline to June 30, 2024.
★ On May 8, 2024, the fourth extension moved the deadline to September 30, 2024.
★ On September 15, 2024, the fifth extension extended it to December 31, 2024.
★ On December 24, 2024, the sixth extension took it to February 28, 2025.
★ On March 10, 2025, the seventh extension pushed the date to May 31, 2025 – which ends tomorrow.
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Pea Import Figures Since December 2023
(quantity in million tonnes)
★ December 2023 to March 2024 – 1.17
★ April 2024 to March 2025 – 2.145
★ April 2025 (estimated) – 0.029
★ Since imports opened, approximately 3.315 million tonnes of yellow peas have been imported from December 2023 to April 2025. This has impacted the consumption and markets of all pulses. Currently, prices of all major pulses are below MSP.
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What’s Next?
★ Several private and cooperative institutions in the country have urged the government to revise pea import regulations.
★ Some have demanded a complete ban, while others suggest imposing import duties.
★ Previously, circulars were issued a week before the import window closed. However, no such circular has been released yet.
★ This indicates that a policy change might be underway.
★ According to iGrain India, a 10–15% import duty could be imposed on peas.
★ Wait for official circular to come.