The period of duty-free import of yellow peas extended till 31 March 2026

31-May-2025 03:55 PM

New Delhi. Ignoring the concerns and requests of the industry and trade sector, the government has once again extended the duty-free import period for yellow peas, indicating that it wants to avoid any potential price volatility.

According to the latest government circular, the duty-free import window has been extended for the eighth time, now until 31 March 2026. This extension, significantly longer than previous ones, has surprised many.

Previously, the duty-free import period had been extended until 31 May 2025 via a circular issued on 20 March, which had led many to believe there would be no further extensions.

The India Pulses and Grains Association, along with other allied bodies, had urged the government to revise its import policy, but these appeals were dismissed.

This decision has disappointed Indian pulses producers and traders, but it has brought relief and encouragement to exporters in countries like Canada and Russia.

For Canadian exporters, in particular, this move is a major boost, especially after disruptions in their exports to China.

The uninterrupted duty-free import of yellow peas is expected to keep downward pressure on the prices of pulses in the domestic market, especially gram, and may also affect other pulses. From December 2023 to April 2025, India imported approximately 33.44 lakh tonnes of yellow peas.

Sowing is currently underway or nearing completion in Canada, while Russia is expected to begin harvesting its crop within weeks.

The India Pulses and Grains Association had suggested imposing a customs duty on yellow peas that would align its import price with the minimum support price (MSP) of gram.

Although the government has had some success in purchasing tur this season, opportunities for significant procurement of desi gram remain limited.