India has officially ended its duty-free import regime for yellow peas, as no notification has been issued to extend the facility, according to trade sources. The duty-free import policy for yellow peas began on December 8, 2023, and has been extended multiple times since then. The last extension was granted until February 28, 2025, on December 25, 2024.
With no fresh notification issued, the duty on yellow peas has been restored to 30%, along with a 10% Agri Infrastructure Fund Cess, totaling 33% duty. Additionally, imports will only be permitted through the Kolkata port, and the landed price should not fall below ₹200 per kg.
The trade industry has welcomed this development, as it will now have the opportunity to sell yellow peas at a higher price. This change comes after India imported at least 3 million tonnes of yellow peas, primarily from Canada, in 2024, leading to a decrease in prices of other pulses such as pigeon peas, black matpe, and chickpeas.
The import duty regime was a cause of concern for the pulses trade industry, which urged the government to reintroduce duties to support farmers. Following the end of the duty-free regime, prices of pulses in the domestic market have started to rebound, with expectations of further price increases for black matpe, chickpeas, and lentils.
Any decision on extending duty-free imports or reducing customs duty will likely be made after the Agriculture Ministry announces its rabi pulses crop production estimates. The trade industry is optimistic about the future of pulses trade in India following the reinstatement of import duties on yellow peas.
