Chouhan Raises Concern Over Cheap Yellow Peas Imports

Impacting Market Prices

- SANDIP DAS

AGRICULTURE MINISTER SHIVRAJ Singh Chouhan has raised concern about continued duty-free import of yellow peas, used as cheaper substitute of chana in snacking industry, which is leading to distortion of market prices.

Chouhan has asked for imposition of 50% duties on shipments. In a recent communication to food minister Prahalad Joshi, Chouhan has stated that continued imports of yellow peas has brought down domestic pulses prices and will discourage farmers to undertake area expansion of pulses.

Chouhan has pointed out that the landed cost of yellow peas currently is about ₹3,351/quintal, which is significantly lower than the minimum support price (MSP) and mandi prices of the major pulses such as tur, moong and urad.