Urge to curb import of yellow peas

31-Jan-2025 04:04 PM

The growing concern around the import of yellow peas is clearly tied to the imbalance it’s causing in the domestic pulse market. With cheap imports flooding the market, prices for other pulses, particularly gram and various dals, have been significantly affected.

Farmers and traders are facing challenges as demand for more expensive pulses drops in favor of the cheaper yellow peas.

It’s interesting that the government extended the duty-free import deadline until February 2025, but there’s pressure from trade bodies like the IPGA to halt these imports altogether.

This situation underscores the importance of balancing consumer access to affordable food with the sustainability of local agricultural markets.

Given that the price disparity between yellow peas and other pulses is so stark, it makes sense why consumers would opt for the cheaper alternative, but it’s certainly putting farmers at a disadvantage.

Have there been discussions or proposed solutions to help mitigate this issue for farmers who are struggling with the fallout from these imports?