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India Eyes Pulse Import Duty Cuts to Combat Soaring Food Prices
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CNBC TV18•01-10-2026, 17:38
India Eyes Pulse Import Duty Cuts to Combat Soaring Food Prices
- •India is considering lowering import tariffs on pulses like lentils and yellow peas to boost supplies and curb food inflation, following concerns over domestic output due to a patchy monsoon.
- •The potential duty reduction may exclude chickpeas, with current import taxes at 10% for red lentils and chickpeas, and 30% for yellow peas.
- •India, the world's largest producer, consumer, and importer of pulses, relies heavily on imports, which accounted for 23% of consumption in 2024-25.
- •Pulse output is expected to drop significantly this year as top producing states received up to 30% less rain during the monsoon season.
- •Food inflation in India has been rising since December, reaching 5.95% in August, with pigeon pea and black gram inflation at 5.6% and 7.4% respectively.
Key Questions Answered
India is considering lowering import tariffs on pulses to boost local supplies and curb food inflation after a patchy monsoon raised concerns over domestic output.
Any reduction in import duties could be limited specifically to lentils and yellow peas, with chickpeas being excluded from the potential tax cuts.
New Delhi currently imposes a 10% import tax on red lentils and chickpeas, alongside a 30% import tax on yellow peas.
