India Extends Duty-Free Yellow Pea Imports Until March 2026
In a strategic move to stabilize domestic pulse prices, the Indian government has extended the duty-free import policy for yellow peas until March 31, 2026. This decision, effective immediately, aims to bolster the availability of pulses in the domestic market and mitigate inflationary pressures.
India, being the world’s largest importer of yellow peas, primarily sources them from Canada and Russia. The extension provides traders with an extended window to import yellow peas without incurring import duties, thereby ensuring a steady supply to meet domestic demand.
Duty-Free Extension
The duty-free import policy for yellow peas was initially introduced in December 2023 and has since been extended multiple times. The latest extension, announced through a government order on May 30, 2025, underscores the administration’s commitment to proactive measures in addressing food inflation and supporting food security.
According to trade data, India imported approximately 6.63 million tonnes of pulses in 2024, a significant increase from 3.31 million tonnes in 2023. Yellow peas constituted the largest share in the import basket, with 2.9 million tonnes, accounting for 45% of the total pulse imports. Notably, India had not imported yellow peas in the previous year, highlighting the impact of the duty-free policy on import volumes.
Pulse Price Control
The extension of the duty-free import policy is part of the government’s broader strategy to control rising prices of pulses, a staple in the Indian diet. By facilitating increased imports, the government aims to augment domestic supply, thereby easing price pressures and ensuring affordability for consumers.
This policy measure also aligns with the government’s objectives of maintaining food security and supporting the food processing industry, which relies on a consistent supply of pulses. The continued import of yellow peas without duties is expected to contribute positively to these goals.
