India Imposes 30% Import Duty on Yellow Peas, Relief for Farmers

The Indian government has imposed a 30% import duty on yellow peas, effective from November 1. This move is expected to provide relief to farmers and boost pulse production. Farmers were facing losses due to cheap imports, prompting this decision. The government aims to achieve self-reliance in pulses by 2030, and this step is considered significant in that direction.

This measure is seen as important for the goal of self-reliant India, where farmers are not just producers but key market participants. The decision comes at a time when cheap foreign imports had caused significant losses for farmers, with many pulses trading below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). It is also linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent announcement of the ₹42,000 crore Prime Minister's Dhan-Dhanya Agricultural Scheme and Pulse Self-Reliance Mission, launched ten days ago. However, consignments with bills of lading up to October 31 are exempt from the duty.