It is worth noting that the harvest of kharif pulses is in full swing, while the sowing season for rabi pulses is about to begin. If farmers fail to secure profitable prices for their kharif pulses due to weak market rates, their discontent may rise, forcing the government to procure massive quantities at MSP. Moreover, weak prices could dampen farmer enthusiasm for cultivating rabi pulses such as chickpea, lentil, and peas.

However, the central government faces its own dilemma. The country is currently in the peak festive season, and the government is reluctant to take the risk of raising import duties that could push up pulse prices during this period. Even if the debate on imposing import duties heats up, any decision is likely only after Diwali, which falls in October. The timing will also be influenced by the Bihar assembly elections scheduled for November–December.

For the past seven months, the inflation rate for pulses has remained negative, with prices consistently falling below MSP. The primary reason cited for this trend is the large-scale and cheap imports of yellow peas. International prices of yellow peas, pigeon peas (tur/arhar), and other pulses have dropped sharply. In such a scenario, increasing import duties to protect domestic farmers does seem justified, though any final decision may take some time. Currently, India does not import moong beans, while imports of yellow peas, pigeon peas, and urad are duty-free until March 31, 2026. Imports of chickpea and lentils, however, attract a 10 percent duty.