New Delhi—As the festive period approaches, policymakers are evaluating measures to prevent further spikes in pulse prices. Among the proposals is a reduction in import duties on chickpeas and yellow peas, a step that could swell local inventories.
India depends heavily on imports to meet its pulse demand, meaning global availability directly shapes domestic price movements. Traders note that several major pulses have already edged higher in recent weeks, driven by concerns over crop output and the upcoming holiday surge.
Pulse Prices Edge Upward
At present, chickpea imports carry a 10 % duty, while yellow peas are taxed at 30 %. By contrast, imports of tur and urad enjoy a duty‑free regime until 31 March 2027.
Market participants say that over the past month, prices of chickpeas, moong, peas and tur have risen as much as 10 %. In the last week, an additional 3–5 % increase has been recorded, fueled by stronger festive demand.
Rainfall Sparks Yield Concerns
Although the total area under kharif pulses remains relatively stable, erratic monsoon patterns are heightening worries. As of 4 September, roughly 117.13 lakh hectares had been sown, a slight rise over the 115.30 lakh hectares recorded at the same point last year.
However, the sowing area for moong fell to 33.19 lakh hectares, down from 34.23 lakh hectares a year earlier, prompting growers in Maharashtra and Karnataka to monitor weather developments closely.
From Sown Area to Projected Yield
The market’s focus is shifting from sheer acreage to the likely harvest outcome. Patchy rainfall and prolonged dry spells across several zones threaten moisture availability during crucial growth stages.
Suresh Agrawal, president of the Dal Mill Association, warned that inadequate rain in key states could curtail pulse output this season.
The southwest monsoon is winding down with rainfall about 12 % below normal, and its uneven distribution has produced a mixed picture—some regions endured drought, while others faced heavy downpours.
Why a Duty Cut Matters
Against this backdrop, lowering import duties on chickpeas and yellow peas is being viewed as a lever to boost supply and ease price pressure on consumers ahead of the festive celebrations.
