Govt Asked to Explore Better Substitute for Pulses Farmers Amid Complains over Lower Prices

Why It Matters

The ruling highlights a critical policy gap that threatens pulse farmer incomes and national food security, prompting urgent reforms in pricing and procurement mechanisms.

Key Takeaways

• Supreme Court orders review of pulse import policy
• 30% duty on yellow peas effective Oct 2025
• Farmers sell pulses 20‑25% below MSP
• No guaranteed procurement hampers pulse cultivation

Pulse Analysis

The Indian pulse sector has become a flashpoint as imported yellow peas, favored for animal feed in North America and Australia, flood the domestic market. Their lower cost erodes the profitability of traditional pulses such as pigeon pea and gram, prompting farmer groups to petition the Supreme Court. In response, the apex court has instructed the government to convene a multi‑ministerial panel and reassess the existing foreign‑trade framework. This move underscores the growing tension between trade liberalisation and the need to protect a staple crop that feeds millions of households.

At the heart of the dispute lies the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism, which currently guarantees wheat and rice but leaves pulses vulnerable. Farmers routinely sell their harvest 20‑25 percent below the announced MSP because no assured procurement system exists. The court’s observation that “you have an MSP for wheat, you have an MSP for rice… and now some pulses” highlights a policy gap that could be closed by linking pulse MSP to a dedicated procurement agency. Such a step would incentivise diversification, raise per‑acre yields, and stabilize farmer incomes in rain‑fed regions.

Implementing a 30 percent import duty on yellow peas, already in force since October 2025, is only a partial remedy. A coordinated strategy under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare—combining price guarantees, guaranteed market access, and research into high‑yield pulse varieties—could transform pulses into a viable alternative to wheat and paddy in northern and central India. If successful, the sector could see a 10‑15 percent rise in production, reduce dependence on imports, and contribute to food‑security goals outlined in the National Food Security Act. Stakeholders will be watching the May 8 hearing for concrete policy signals.