Traders Call for Immediate Ban on Yellow Pea Imports

The influx of cheap yellow peas is reducing demand for other pulses, causing concern among traders and farmers. The India Pulses and Beans Association (IPBA) has urged the government to immediately halt yellow pea imports to protect domestic pulse producers.

Bimal Kothari, President of IPBA, stated that around 3 million tonnes of yellow peas have already entered India in 2024. He warned that continued imports are severely affecting gram, tur, urad, and lentils. It is leading to financial losses for both businesses and farmers.

Cheap Yellow Peas Create a Price Imbalance

The sharp price gap between yellow peas and other pulses is distorting market demand. Currently, yellow peas are priced at USD 0,38 per kg, while processed yellow pea pulses cost USD 0,48 per kg. In contrast, most other pulses are priced above USD 1,20 per kg, making yellow peas a preferred choice for consumers.

To stabilize domestic supply and prevent price spikes, the government allowed duty-free imports of yellow peas in December 2023. Since then, imports have surpassed 2,97 million tonnes in 2024, with the duty-free period extended until February 28.

Total pulse imports for 2024 are now projected to exceed 6,6 million tonnes. However, as new gram crops begin arriving in Karnataka and Maharashtra, prices have remained close to the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Farmers Demand Fair Pricing and Policy Protection

Kothari stressed that repeatedly extending duty-free imports hurts both farmers and traders. He pointed out that cheap imports directly contradict the government's efforts to increase MSP for pulses while simultaneously allowing the influx of low-cost alternatives.

Industry experts argue that the ongoing flood of imports is leading to market dumping. Which could undermine India's goal of self-sufficiency in pulses. Kothari urged the government to implement a balanced trade policy, ensuring that imported pulses are priced above the MSP to protect Indian farmers from losses.

Conclusion: Urgent Policy Action Needed to Protect Farmers

The surge in yellow pea imports is destabilizing India's pulse market, affecting demand for gram, tur, urad, and lentils. With massive imports already in place, traders and farmers demand immediate intervention to ban further imports and protect domestic pulse producers. A well-structured import policy is crucial to maintaining fair prices, ensuring market stability, and supporting Indian farmers.





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