New Delhi — With the festive period fast approaching, the government is weighing measures to prevent further spikes in pulse prices. One proposal on the table is to lower import tariffs on chickpeas and yellow peas, a step that could markedly increase local availability.

India depends heavily on imports to meet its pulse demand, meaning global supply conditions directly shape domestic price movements. Traders note that several key pulses have already edged upward in recent weeks, driven by concerns over crop output and the looming holiday rush.

Rising Pulse Prices Across the Board

At present, imported chickpeas attract a 10 % duty, while yellow peas face a 30 % tariff. In contrast, imports of tur and urad remain duty‑free until 31 March 2027.

Market participants say that over the past month, prices of chickpeas, moong, peas and tur have climbed as much as 10 %. The last week alone has seen an extra 3–5 % rise, fuelled by heightened festive demand.

Monsoon Variability Sparks Yield Anxiety

Although the overall area under kharif pulses remains relatively stable, erratic monsoon patterns are stirring worries. By 4 September, roughly 117.13 lakh hectares had been sown, a slight increase over the 115.30 lakh hectares recorded at the same time last year.

Nevertheless, the acreage under moong slipped to 33.19 lakh hectares, down from 34.23 lakh hectares a year earlier, prompting growers in Maharashtra and Karnataka to monitor weather developments closely.

From Planted Area to Anticipated Harvest

Analysts are now shifting focus from sheer sowing numbers to likely yields. Uneven rainfall and prolonged dry spells in several zones threaten moisture availability during critical growth stages.

Suresh Agrawal, president of the Dal Mill Association, warned that inadequate rain in major pulse‑producing states could dent this season’s output.

The southwest monsoon is ending with precipitation about 12 % below normal, and its patchy distribution has produced a mixed picture—some regions endured drought, while others faced heavy downpours.

Why Reducing Duties Matters

Against this backdrop, trimming import duties on chickpeas and yellow peas is viewed as a practical way to swell supply and ease price pressure on consumers ahead of the festive celebrations.