Government May Consider Import Duty on Yellow Peas

03-Mar-2025 09:58 AM

Government May Consider Import Duty on Yellow Peas  
★ The government is considering imposing an import duty on yellow peas.  
★ In 2023, the government had waived the import duty on yellow peas due to concerns over lower chana production. As a result, India imported a total of 6.7 million tonnes of pulses in 2024, out of which 3 million tonnes were yellow peas.  
★ In Maharashtra, the mandi price of chana is currently ranging between Rs.5,200-Rs.5,350 per quintal, whereas the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is set at Rs. 5,650 per quintal.  
★ So far, the government has not issued any new notification to extend the import duty waiver, indicating that it may move towards reinstating the duty.  
★ For the rabi season, the procurement of 1.7 million tonnes of chana and masoor at MSP has been assured.  
★ To support domestic producers, the government may either fully reinstate the import duty or impose a partial duty.  
- If the import duty is imposed, farmers will benefit, but pulse prices may rise for consumers.  
- If no duty is imposed, the availability of cheap yellow peas may harm the domestic chana industry, potentially leading to lower production in the coming years.  
★ The final decision will be taken in the ministerial panel meeting scheduled for Tuesday.