YELLOW PEA IMPORTS

28-Feb-2025 10:44 AM

YELLOW PEA IMPORTS
★ It looks like the Indian government is considering imposing restrictions on yellow peas imports to protect domestic chana (chickpea) farmers.
★ India imported 3 million tonnes of yellow peas in 2024, out of a record 6.7 MT pulses import.
★ The duty-free import policy, introduced due to lower chana output, may soon end.
★ A 15-20% import duty could be imposed.
★ Cheap yellow peas, largely from Canada and Russia, have reduced prices, affecting prices of chana and other Pulses too, which is the dominant pulse in India.
★ The landed cost of yellow peas is Rs 32-35/kg, while chana prices have dropped below MSP (Rs 5650/quintal) in some states.
★ The government has sanctioned MSP procurement of 1.7 MT chana and Lentil in key states to support farmers.
★ This move aligns with previous policies where high import duties like 50% in 2017 were used to boost domestic production.
★ The decision could impact food processors who rely on cheaper yellow peas as a substitute for chana, potentially driving up costs for consumers.