Hike tariffs on pulses imports: CACP to govt

THE COMMISSION FOR Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), which recommends minimum support price (MSP) of crops to the government, has called for increasing the import duties on several pulse varieties such as gram and lentils and imposing complete ban on yellow peas imports.

- SANDIP DAS

The CACP's views, expressed in its recent report— Price Policy for Rabi Crops: The Marketing Season 2026-27— come against the backdrop of the government frequently resorting to duty-free imports of key pulses, which has led to depressed local prices that are barely remunerative for farmers. Many experts have highlighted the contradiction between the inconsistent import policies and the stated objective of achieving self-sufficiency in the production of these protein-rich staples.

Currently, duty-free imports of yellow peas, tur and urad has been allowed till March 31, 2026, bengal gram and masoor has imported duty of 10% valid till end of FY26.