New Delhi—With the festive period fast approaching, the government is evaluating steps to keep pulse prices from climbing further. One proposal on the table is a reduction in import duties on chickpeas and yellow peas, a move that could lift local supplies.

India relies heavily on imports to satisfy its pulse demand, meaning overseas availability directly shapes domestic price trends. Traders say several major pulses have already started to rise in recent weeks, driven by output worries and the upcoming holiday rush.

Pulse Prices Continue to Edge Up

At present, chickpea imports attract a 10 % duty while yellow peas face a 30 % tariff. By contrast, imports of tur (pigeon pea) and urad (black gram) remain duty‑free until 31 March 2027.

Dealers note that over the past month, prices of chickpeas, moong, peas and tur have climbed as much as 10 %. In the last seven days the market has added another 3–5 % rise, spurred by stronger festive demand.

Rainfall Sparks Harvest‑Yield Anxiety

Even though the total area under kharif pulses is relatively stable, erratic monsoon patterns are raising alarm bells. As of 4 September, about 117.13 lakh hectares had been sown, marginally above the 115.30 lakh hectares recorded at the same time last year.

However, the area under moong fell to 33.19 lakh hectares, down from 34.23 lakh hectares a year earlier, and growers in Maharashtra and Karnataka are watching the weather closely.

From Sown Area to Projected Output

The market’s focus is shifting from sheer acreage to the likely harvest. Spotty rainfall and prolonged dry spells across several regions threaten moisture availability during critical growth stages.

Suresh Agrawal, president of the Dal Mill Association, warned that insufficient rain in key states could dent pulse output this season.

The southwest monsoon is ending with rainfall roughly 12 % below normal, and its uneven spread has created a mixed picture—some zones endured drought, while others faced heavy downpours.

Why a Duty Cut Matters

Against this backdrop, lowering import duties on chickpeas and yellow peas is seen as a lever to boost supply and soften price pressure for consumers ahead of the festive celebrations.