New Delhi. As the festive period draws near, officials are weighing steps to curb further hikes in pulse prices. Among the options tabled is a cut in import duties on chickpeas and yellow peas, a move that could swell local market inventories.
India relies heavily on imports to satisfy its pulse demand, making overseas supplies a key driver of domestic pricing. Traders report that the cost of several major pulses has risen in recent weeks, fueled by production anxieties and the looming festive demand.
Pulse Prices Edge Higher
Currently, chickpea imports attract a 10 % duty, while yellow peas are levied at 30 %. By contrast, imports of tur and urad enjoy duty‑free status until 31 March 2027.
Commodity dealers note that prices for chickpeas, moong, peas and tur have jumped up to 10 % over the past month. In the last week alone, prices have risen another 3 %–5 %, as pre‑festive buying adds pressure to the market.
Rainfall Triggers Crop‑Yield Concerns
The total area under kharif pulses has stayed fairly steady despite uneven monsoon patterns. As of 4 September, sowing covered 117.13 lakh hectares, marginally above the 115.30 lakh hectares recorded at the same time last year.
However, moong cultivation slipped to 33.19 lakh hectares from 34.23 lakh hectares a year earlier, and traders are eyeing the crop outlook in key states such as Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Shift From Acreage to Yield Outlook
The market’s focus has moved from the sheer acreage planted to the expected harvest quality. Spotty rains and prolonged dry spells in several regions have raised doubts about water availability during crucial growth stages.
Suresh Agrawal, president of the Dal Mill Association, warned that insufficient rainfall in major producing zones could dent pulse output this season.
The southwest monsoon is ending with rainfall about 12 % below normal, and its erratic distribution has compounded agricultural challenges—some districts faced drought‑like conditions, while others saw heavy downpours.
Against this backdrop, the proposed duty reduction on chickpeas and yellow peas aims to lift supply, ease market pressure, and protect consumers during the upcoming festive celebrations.
