India may cut import duties on lentils and peas as crop outlook weakens

India is considering cutting import duties on a range of pulses to boost domestic supplies and curb rising prices. The move is being discussed amid concerns over a weaker crop following an uneven monsoon season.

Any tariff reduction could primarily cover red lentils and yellow peas. India currently imposes a 10% import duty on lentils and a 30% duty on yellow peas. Chickpeas, however, may be excluded in order to support domestic growers ahead of the upcoming planting season.

The crop outlook has deteriorated after rainfall in several key producing states during June-September was up to 30% below average. Most pulses in India are grown in rain-fed areas, making yields particularly sensitive to moisture shortages.

India is the world’s largest producer, consumer and importer of pulses. In 2024/25, the country produced 25.7 mln tons and imported another 7.3 mln tons, with imports accounting for around 23% of domestic consumption. Major suppliers included Australia, Canada, Russia, Myanmar and several African countries.

Rising food inflation and stronger seasonal demand during the festive period are adding pressure on the government. India has already allowed duty-free imports of pigeon peas and black gram through the end of March 2027, and further tariff cuts could lead to additional pulse purchases on the global market.

Tags: lentil, pea, import duties, India, pulses