India Weighs Lower Import Duties on Pulses to Curb Prices
India is considering reducing import duties on selected pulses to increase domestic supplies and contain food inflation, according to two government sources and an industry source. The move comes after an uneven monsoon raised concerns about domestic pulse production. Any reduction could initially cover red lentils and yellow peas, while chickpeas may remain subject to existing duties.
India currently levies a 10% import duty on red lentils and chickpeas and 30% on yellow peas. The country has already permitted duty-free imports of pigeon peas and black gram through March 2027. India is the world’s largest producer, consumer and importer of pulses, with imports accounting for about 23% of consumption in 2024-25, when the country produced 25.7 million tonnes and imported 7.3 million tonnes.
Pulse prices remain a concern ahead of the festive season, when demand typically rises as households, millers and food processors build stocks. Food inflation reached 5.95% in August, while inflation for pigeon peas and black gram stood at 5.6% and 7.4%, respectively. With pulse-growing regions facing weaker rainfall, the government may balance import measures with efforts to encourage farmers to expand chickpea cultivation.
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