Pulses May Get Cheaper Before Festive Season, Government Weighs Import Duty Cut On Lentils & Yellow Peas

New Delhi: The government is contemplating lowering import duties on certain pulses ahead of the festive season to bolster domestic supplies and curb rising food prices. This proposal is under consideration despite the absence of a definitive decision or official announcement. The proposed relief may extend to red lentils, or masoor, and yellow peas, while chickpeas, or chana, could remain exempt.

Presently, India imposes a 10 percent import duty on masoor and chana, whereas yellow peas incur a 30 percent duty. Imports of tur and urad have been exempt from duties until March 2027. Lowering duties would make imports more affordable, potentially increasing supplies in the domestic market. This measure comes in response to an uneven monsoon that has triggered concerns about domestic pulse production, as rain-fed areas have experienced rainfall levels up to 30 percent below average during the June-September monsoon period.

The Union government has also increased the subsidy for pulse seeds to 100 percent, with tur, urad, and lentil farmers eligible for up to ₹12,000 per quintal. The demand for pulses typically surges during India’s festive season, driven by households, mills, and food companies stocking up for celebrations. Food inflation has been on the rise, reaching 5.95 percent in August, with tur prices up 5.6 percent and urad prices increasing by 7.4 percent in comparison to the previous year.

India is the world’s leading producer and consumer of pulses, yet it relies heavily on imports to satisfy domestic demand. Consequently, a reduction in import duties could enhance supplies and alleviate pressure on prices. However, the ultimate impact on retail prices will hinge on the government’s decision, global pulse prices, and the availability of pulses domestically.