Government may cut import duties on pulses amid poor monsoon outlook

The government is considering reducing import duties on pulses to improve domestic availability and control prices following concerns over the monsoon. Chana imports currently face a 10% duty, while yellow peas attract 30%. Tur and urad remain duty-free until March 2027.

Pulse prices have surged up to 10% over the past month, with sharper spikes of 3-5% in recent days. The price increases reflect combined pressures from weak crop prospects due to poor rainfall and higher festive-season demand. A duty cut on chana and yellow peas could help ease inflationary pressure on essential food items.