Yellow pea duty unlikely to alter pulses market – Indian expert

UkrAgroConsult

Indian economist Mr. G. Chandrashekhar said that the recently introduced 30% import duty on yellow peas is likely to have only a psychological impact rather than bring significant market changes. He emphasized that India has not banned imports but merely imposed a tax, meaning shipments with a Bill of Lading dated before October 31 will continue arriving over the next 30–40 days. This will moderate the immediate effect on prices, which are expected to rise gradually.

According to Mr. Chandrashekhar, the new duty will not notably affect the chickpea market — India’s main rabi pulse crop. In 2025, the chickpea planted area declined to 9.8 mln ha from 10.5 mln ha in 2024, while production increased to 11.3 mln tons due to favorable weather. Subsoil moisture conditions are currently very good, and as of October 24, the planted area was slightly higher than a year earlier.

The economist noted that it is still early to assess the final acreage for the 2026 harvest, as a clearer picture will emerge by mid-December. He expects the Government of India to closely monitor the situation, evaluate chickpea crop prospects in February–March, and consider the 2026 southwest monsoon forecast in April before making any policy adjustments. The yellow pea duty, he added, may remain in place until April 2026 as the domestic market gradually absorbs its impact.

Tags: India, chickpea, duties, pea