The government has extended the timeline for duty-free imports of yellow peas, granting an additional four months until October 2024, as per a recent official notification approved by the Minister of Commerce and Industry.

Initially permitted until March 2024, the deadline for duty-free imports of yellow peas was successively extended to April and then June, part of New Delhi's efforts to stabilize prices within the pulse market. The duty on yellow peas, originally set at 50 percent in November 2017, affects imports primarily from countries like Canada and Russia.

India, despite being a significant consumer and producer of pulses, continues to rely on imports to meet a portion of its consumption needs. The pulse consumption in India mainly includes chana, Masur, urad, Kabuli chana, and tur pulses. The government has previously extended stock limits on tur and urad dal, aiming to curb hoarding and ensure a steady release of pulses into the market to maintain affordable prices.

However, despite these measures and efforts to incentivize farmers, India's reliance on imported pulses remains substantial. Pulses imports surged in 2023-24, reaching nearly USD 3.74 billion, almost doubling from previous levels.