Pulses Trade Urges Government to Halt Yellow Peas Imports by Amit Gupta, Kedia Advisory
The Indian pulses trade is urging the government to stop the import of yellow peas as its cheap availability is hurting demand for domestic pulses, impacting farmers and traders. Bimal Kothari, Chairman of IPGA, emphasized that over 30 lakh tonnes of yellow peas have already been imported in 2024, leading to a sharp decline in chana and other pulses’ demand. Yellow peas are priced significantly lower than other dals, affecting market dynamics. The government had allowed duty-free imports in December 2023 to control prices, but traders now seek an immediate halt. With new chana arrivals and prices nearing MSP, experts warn that continued imports could destabilize domestic markets and harm farmers' earnings.
Key Highlights
* Pulses trade demands an immediate ban on yellow peas imports.
* Over 30 lakh tonnes imported in 2024, hurting domestic pulses prices.
* Yellow peas priced at Rs.32/kg, significantly cheaper than other dals.
* Government extended duty-free imports till February 28, 2025.
* New chana arrivals causing price pressure, impacting farmers’ earnings.
Yellow pea prices have been exerting downward pressure on the domestic pulses market, with rates currently at Rs.3,300 per quintal in Mumbai, Rs.3,620 in Kanpur, and Rs.3,237 in Gandhidham. The sharp price difference between yellow peas and other pulses is creating a demand shift, negatively affecting chana, tur, urad, and masur. The availability of low-cost yellow peas, priced at Rs.32/kg, is discouraging purchases of higher-priced alternatives that cost over Rs.100/kg.
Bimal Kothari, Chairman of IPGA, has called for an immediate halt to yellow peas imports, stating that continued inflow is damaging the market. The government had initially permitted duty-free imports in December 2023 to counter potential shortages, but traders argue that the current situation is detrimental to domestic production and pricing. With 30 lakh tonnes imported so far in 2024 and total pulses imports exceeding 66 lakh tonnes, the market is oversupplied.
Additionally, the new chana crop arrivals from Karnataka and Maharashtra are pushing prices lower, closer to the minimum support price (MSP) levels. Experts warn that the combination of cheap imports and fresh supply could lead to further price declines, reducing farmer earnings. Kothari emphasized that unrestricted imports contradict the government’s policy of increasing MSP for pulses.
Finally
The pulses industry calls for an immediate halt to yellow peas imports to safeguard farmers and stabilize market prices. Continued duty-free imports may disrupt domestic pulse production and further lower prices, affecting trade and rural incomes.
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