The imposition of import duty on yellow peas will curb the softening of the pulses market.

31-Oct-2025 07:47 PM

Mumbai. The domestic pulses industry believes that the imposition of a 30 percent import duty on yellow peas, effective November 1, 2025, could halt the softening of pulse prices in the domestic market and increase demand.

Although the industry and trade sector had been demanding a 50 percent import duty on yellow peas, the government decided to impose a 30 percent customs duty for now. This includes a 10 percent standard duty and a 20 percent agricultural infrastructure development cess.

The chairman of the India Pulses and Grains Association (APGA), a leading trade organization, stated that the price of yellow peas increased by 2.00-2.50 percent after the announcement of the customs duty.

The primary purpose of the customs duty is to curb the softening of the pulses market. Due to large, cheap and duty-free imports, the domestic market price of yellow peas was expected to fall to ₹2,800-₹2,900 per quintal this year, but it will not fall to that level. Currently, the price is hovering around ₹3,500 per quintal. However, there has been no positive impact on the prices of other pulses.

The global market price of yellow peas, which was between ₹350-₹400 per tonne last year, has now declined to ₹300-₹320 per tonne.

Consequently, the 30 percent increase in customs duty (as compared to zero percent) has already reduced the price in the global market to the extent that it could have.

A careful analysis of the situation clearly indicates that the landing cost of yellow peas will remain approximately the same as last year.

Yellow peas are imported into India primarily from Canada and Russia. Due to increase in customs duty, its prices in the global market may be affected.