Domestic farmers suffer losses due to huge cheap imports of duty free pulses

20-Mar-2025 08:30 PM

Indian Farmers Face Losses Due to Excessive Duty-Free Pulses Imports

Key Concerns

• Large-Scale Imports: Huge imports of Tuvar, Urad, Yellow Peas, Desi Chana, and Masoor have flooded the domestic market, increasing supply significantly.
• Price Pressure: Since these pulses are imported duty-free at cheaper prices, they have led to a sharp decline in domestic pulse prices, impacting Indian farmers.
• Market Sluggishness: The entire pulses market is witnessing a slowdown and price softness due to oversupply.

Industry Reactions

• IPGA Chairman’s Statement:
  • Excess imports of Yellow Peas and Desi Chana were unnecessary.
  • Cheap Yellow Peas imports suppressed the market for Desi Chana.
  • Record imports of Tuvar, Urad, and Masoor further worsened the situation.

Impact on Indian Farmers

• Government’s import policies, aimed at controlling price hikes, have now led to losses for domestic pulse producers.
• Market prices of pulses are now at or below the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
• Government may need to intervene by procuring pulses under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS).

Buffer Stock Shortage

• The central buffer stock of pulses is significantly lower than required levels.
• Urgent government procurement is needed to stabilize the market and support Indian farmers.