Import policy of yellow peas may remain intact if gram price remains high

06-May-2025 03:13 PM

New Delhi. The government has indicated that if the domestic market price of desi gram remains higher than the minimum support price (MSP) and procurement in sufficient quantity for buffer stock is not possible, the deadline for duty-free import of yellow peas may be extended.

The MSP of gram this season has been fixed at Rs 5650 per quintal, while the wholesale market price is currently hovering around or above that level.

In markets where the price has dipped below the MSP, government procurement is taking place, though the quantity is limited and the pace remains slow. The central government has approved procurement of 28 lakh tonnes of gram across states.

Yellow peas are considered a suitable substitute for desi gram and have been allowed for duty-free import since December 2023.

The duty-free import deadline has been extended multiple times, with the most recent extension moving it to May 31, 2025.

Industry and trade bodies are urging the government not to extend the duty-free window beyond May 31 and to impose at least a 50 percent import duty from June 1, 2025, to keep the import price aligned with the MSP of gram.

However, the government has stated that its priority is to ensure adequate availability of pulses in the domestic market and to contain price increases.

The government’s gram procurement drive is ongoing. If procurement progresses well by May 20, the likelihood of imposing import duty on yellow peas will increase.

Otherwise, the government may maintain the current import policy. Yellow peas are mainly imported from countries like Canada and Russia. Currently, an 11 percent import duty is imposed on gram.