Pressure on the price of pulses due to huge import of yellow peas
01-Mar-2025 03:50 PM
The article highlights concerns over the significant impact of pulse imports, particularly yellow peas, on the domestic pulse market in India. The India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) has raised alarms about the adverse effects of massive imports of yellow peas over the past year, which have led to a sharp decline in pulse prices, including for gram (chickpeas).
Key points from the article include:
Impact of Yellow Pea Imports: Over the last year, India imported a record 67 lakh tonnes of pulses, with nearly 30 lakh tonnes being yellow peas. These peas were primarily imported from Canada and Russia, and their prices were much lower than domestic pulse prices, which has put downward pressure on prices in India. Yellow peas were priced between Rs 32 to Rs 35 per kg, and the pulses made from them remained around Rs 40 per kg. This contrasts sharply with other pulses, which are priced between Rs 90 to Rs 160 per kg in retail markets.
Price of Gram: The wholesale price of gram has fallen below the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 5650 per quintal for the 2024-25 season, with current prices in Maharashtra ranging from Rs 5200 to Rs 5350 per quintal. The strong arrival of new gram crops from major producing states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka is expected to further drive down prices.
Government Intervention: The government has sanctioned the purchase of 17 lakh tonnes of gram and lentils this year at MSP to support domestic farmers. However, the overall decline in pulse production by 7% (to 242.40 lakh tonnes) and the 10% drop in gram production to 110.30 lakh tonnes during the 2023-24 season have added to the challenges.
Call for Action: The IPGA has called on the government to ensure that imported pulses, including yellow peas, are not sold below the MSP in India, as this could severely harm local farmers and disrupt the market.
In conclusion, the article reflects concerns about the increasing reliance on cheap imports, which threaten the economic viability of Indian pulse farmers and disrupt the domestic pulse market. The government is urged to take steps to protect local farmers from unfair price competition caused by cheaper imported pulses