India extends duty-free yellow peas imports until 2027

Saturday 04 April 2026 - 14:06

India has announced an extension of duty-free imports of yellow peas until March 31, 2027, as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure stable food supply and manage domestic prices. The decision was confirmed by the country’s commerce ministry, which stated that all existing import conditions would remain unchanged.

The measure prolongs a policy initially set to expire in 2026 and reflects India’s reliance on imports to meet growing demand for pulses. As the world’s largest importer of yellow peas, India sources most of its supplies from countries such as Canada and Russia.

Officials say the extension aims to support food security and prevent price volatility in the domestic market, particularly as demand for affordable protein sources continues to rise. Yellow peas are widely used in India’s food industry, both for direct consumption and as an ingredient in processed products.

Market analysts note that maintaining duty-free access could help stabilize supply chains and strengthen trade relations with key exporting nations. However, the policy may also raise concerns among local farmers, who could face increased competition from imported products.