Govt reimposes import tariff on yellow peas

TO BOOST THE market prices of pulses, the government has imposed a 30% import duty on yellow peas, a cheaper substitute ofchana, largely used in the food processing industry, from November 1.Duty-free imports of the item was allowed from December, 2023.

- SANDIP DAS

According to a finance ministry notification on Wednesday, apart from the 30% basic customs duty (BCD), yellow peas imports will also have agriculture infrastructure development cess at 20%. The import duty will be applicable for those consignments loaded from the origin country on or after November 1.

The decision to reimpose import duty on yellow peas will help farmers realise remunerative prices as currently market prices of major pulses varieties—including tur, urad,chana, and masoor—are currently 8-18% below minimum support price (MSP).