Chickpea Duty Hike Off the Table for Now

04-Dec-2025 01:11 PM

New Delhi. Government officials say that no proposal to increase import duty on chickpeas is currently under consideration, while market buzz is circulating that customs duty on this most important pulse of the Rabi season may be significantly increased to ensure better returns for farmers in the coming months.

There is general buzz in the market that the government is considering increasing the import duty on Desi chickpeas to 30 percent, similar to yellow peas. Currently, the duty is 10 percent.

Official sources have dismissed market buzz, stating that no discussions are currently underway regarding increasing customs duty.

The rumors circulating in the market are truly incomprehensible. Currently, Desi chickpeas are subject to a 10 percent import duty, which will remain in effect until March 31, 2026.

Given the favorable supply and availability in the domestic market and weak prices, pulse millers and traders are closely monitoring the response to government policy regarding chickpea. Chana cultivation is unlikely to increase this time.

Imports from Australia continue unabated, and prices there have also declined. During the 2024-25 fiscal year, India imported a record 1.6 million tons of chickpea, of which over 1.4 million tons came from Australia alone. The remaining was imported from Africa and other countries.

Due to improved domestic supply conditions, the pace of Australian chickpea imports has slowed in recent months.

A strong inflow of new chickpeas from Australia is expected, which could increase imports into India in the coming months.

The price of indigenous chickpea in the Indore market is hovering around ₹5,700-₹5,800. There is some demand from buyers at lower prices. Chickpea sowing is also continuing in major producing states.