Demand for immediate ban on import of cheap pulses

27-May-2025 07:43 PM

New Delhi. The continuous large-scale import of cheap pulses has led to a significant drop in their domestic prices, causing serious difficulties for Indian farmers in securing profitable returns.

In response, the Delhi Grain Merchants Association (DGMA) has urged the central government to immediately ban the import of cheap pulses or to impose a minimum import price (MIP) and quantitative restrictions.

In a letter addressed to the Union Minister of Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, the General Secretary of the association highlighted the unusual market situation created by duty-free or low-duty imports of pulses in large volumes.

As a result, the domestic market price of major pulses has fallen below the Minimum Support Price (MSP) set by the government. Currently, almost all major pulses — tur, urad, masoor and gram — are being imported at prices lower than the MSP.

For instance, tur from Africa is being imported at Rs 5500 per quintal and from Myanmar at Rs 6500 per quintal, while the MSP is Rs 7550 per quintal.

Similarly, urad from Myanmar costs Rs 6700 per quintal, below the MSP of Rs 7400. The quality of imported urad is often superior to domestic varieties.

Lentils imported from Canada and Australia cost around Rs 5900 per quintal, whereas the MSP is Rs 6700. Gram from Australia and Tanzania is also being imported below the MSP, disturbing the pricing structure of the domestic market.

The association emphasized that this has created a non-competitive business environment, causing distress to both traders and Indian pulse growers.

A particular concern is the duty-free import of yellow peas, which has added to the disruption. The DGMA has strongly recommended immediate corrective measures to protect domestic producers and stabilize the market.