Despite a huge increase in the import of yellow peas and gram, the prices are high

03-Sep-2024 08:48 PM

New Delhi. With the aim of increasing the supply and availability of pulses in the domestic market and curbing the rise in prices,

the Central Government had allowed duty-free import of yellow peas in December 2023 and Desi gram in May 2024. Its last deadline has currently been fixed till 31 October 2024, which is likely to be extended.

Data compiled by Rahul Chauhan, Director of I Grain India, shows that during the eight months from December 2023 to July 2024, the import of yellow peas in the country increased to above 20.75 lakh tonnes,

whereas its import was closed before December 2023. Similarly, in the four months of April-July 2024, India imported about 65,507 tonnes of Desi gram, which was much more than the import of 1341 tonnes in the same months of the year 2023.

It is worth mentioning that before May 2024, a hefty import duty of 66 percent was imposed on Desi Chana, so its import was very limited.

According to the India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA), during the week ended August 31, there was a slight softening in the price of chana in some mandis due to less buying and availability of cheaper alternatives,

but in other mandis the price remained strong at a higher level because sellers tried to hold their stock in the expectation of further increase in prices. A good stock of yellow peas is still present, which can put pressure on the prices of chana.

After the festive demand is met, the price of chana is likely to be stable or soften overall. On the other hand, there are chances of a great production of chana in Australia, so its massive import can start from there from October-November.