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**Headline: Supreme Court Seeks Government Response on Yellow Pea Imports Amid Farmer Concerns**
**NEW DELHI, September 25, 2025** – The Supreme Court has demanded a response from the central government regarding a petition seeking restrictions on the import of yellow peas. The petition, filed by the Kisan Mahapanchayat, a farmers’ organization, argues that duty-free imports of the pulse substitute are driving down market prices and harming the livelihoods of Indian pulse farmers.
The court’s action comes amid growing concerns that the influx of inexpensive yellow peas is significantly undercutting the minimum support price (MSP) for domestic pulses like tur (arhar), chana, and moong. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioners, highlighted that yellow peas are being sold for approximately ₹3,500 per quintal, significantly less than the ₹7,000-₹8,000 MSP for domestic varieties.
The petition cites reports from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and NITI Aayog, both of which have warned against the heavy reliance on imports and urged the government to incentivize domestic cultivation. These reports highlight that the influx of cheaper imported yellow peas is disrupting local markets, affecting prices, and undermining the interests of Indian farmers
Justice Surya Kant questioned whether domestic pulse production was sufficient to meet the nation’s needs, emphasizing the need to balance farmer welfare with consumer affordability. Bhushan countered that farmers are being forced to sell at prices below cultivation costs due to the distorted market.
The Court noted its inclination to issue notice due to the recommendations of credible expert bodies, but emphasized the need to ensure that any action does not negatively impact consumers.
The petition underscores the government’s own data, which shows India imported 6.7 million tonnes of pulses in 2024, with yellow peas accounting for 2.9 million tonnes. The Kisan Mahapanchayat argues that the majority of these imports have been below MSP rates.
Concerns over yellow pea imports have also been voiced within the government. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan previously cautioned Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi about the impact of duty-free imports on domestic prices and farmer motivation. This contrasts with the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s “Mission for Aatmanirbharta” (self-reliance) in pulses. The court will now consider the government’s response to these complex issues.
First Piper 