New Delhi. With the festival period fast approaching, policymakers are exploring steps to stop pulse prices from climbing further. Among the options under review is a possible cut in import duties on chickpeas and yellow peas, a move that could swell local inventories.
India relies heavily on imports to satisfy its pulse demand, so overseas supply dynamics play a pivotal role in shaping domestic price trends. Market participants note that several key pulses have edged higher in recent weeks as worries over harvest output and festive buying intensify.
Pulse Prices Edge Upward
At present, chickpea imports attract a 10 % duty, while yellow peas are subject to a 30 % duty. By contrast, imports of tur and urad are duty‑free until 31 March 2027.
Commodity traders report that prices of chickpeas, moong, peas and tur have risen by as much as 10 % over the past month. In the last seven days, the same commodities have gained roughly 3 %–5 %, with the upcoming celebrations adding to the buying pressure.
Rainfall Patterns Heighten Harvest Concerns
The total area planted with kharif pulses has held steady despite a patchy monsoon. By 4 September, growers had sowed pulses on about 117.13 lakh hectares, marginally above the 115.30 lakh hectares recorded at the same time last year.
However, the acreage under moong fell to 33.19 lakh hectares from 34.23 lakh hectares a year earlier, and traders are watching the crop situation in major producing states such as Maharashtra and Karnataka closely.
From Sown Area to Expected Yield
The market’s focus has shifted from the sheer land area to the likely harvest per hectare. Irregular rains and extended dry spells in several regions have sparked fears about moisture availability during critical growth stages.
Suresh Agrawal, president of the Dal Mill Association, warned that below‑normal rainfall in key pulse‑growing zones could dent production this season.
The southwest monsoon is wrapping up with rainfall about 12 % below the long‑term average, and its uneven spread has created a dual challenge: some districts endured prolonged drought, while others were drenched.
“Reducing duties will help keep pulses affordable for families during the holidays,” said a senior ministry official.
Against this backdrop, the contemplated reduction in import duties on chickpeas and yellow peas is intended to bolster supply and relieve price pressure on consumers during the forthcoming festive period.
