Yellow Pea Import Duty to Positively Impact Pulses Market

01-Nov-2025 12:34 PM

Mumbai. After much deliberation, in light of widespread pressure, the government has decided to impose a 30 percent import duty on yellow peas, effective today, November 1, 2025. This includes a standard duty of 10 percent and an agricultural infrastructure development cess of 20 percent.

This had been a long-standing demand. I Grain India had repeatedly reported that the import duty on yellow peas could be imposed after the festive season ends.

This duty will apply to import contracts beginning today, while shipments from previous deals have been exempted. On October 29, the Revenue Department of the Ministry of Finance announced the imposition of a 30 percent import duty on yellow peas.

According to trade analysts, this import duty is expected to have a positive impact on the Indian pulses market, but the impact will be limited, as the price of yellow peas in the global market has fallen significantly. It is certain that further declines in the domestic market price of yellow peas will be less likely.

The new import duty is likely to have a psychological impact on the sowing of pulse crops during the Rabi season. This will help maintain farmers' enthusiasm and interest in cultivating them. Like chickpeas and lentils, peas are also a Rabi season pulse crop.

Continuous, large imports of cheap peas from Canada and Russia significantly increased their supply and availability in the domestic market, leading to a sharp decline in prices. Yellow peas were once expected to fall to a low of ₹2,800-₹2,900 per quintal, but this possibility has now diminished.

The market price of yellow peas is expected to remain at ₹3,400-₹3,500 per quintal or higher. Some pea consignments from Canada have left for India and Pakistan. It is believed that consignments destined for Pakistan may be diverted to India.

Heavy imports of yellow peas into the country are likely to continue for some time, and imports may decline once shipments under old contracts are completed. The industry and trade sector has been demanding that the government impose a 50 percent customs duty on yellow peas.

The India Pulses and Grains Association says that last year the export offer price of yellow peas was between $350-400 per tonne, which has now dropped to $300-320 per tonne, so despite the imposition of a 30 percent customs duty, its import cost is unlikely to be higher than last year. This is having a limited impact on the prices of other pulses.