Supreme Court Issues Notice on PIL Challenging Unrestricted Yellow Peas Imports Affecting Indian Farmers

The Supreme Court on Thursday sought the Centre's response on a PIL seeking import curbs on yellow peas, which is considered a substitute to pulses, claiming its supply was affecting the livelihood of farmers.

New Delhi:

The Supreme Court has requested the Centre to respond to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking restrictions on yellow peas imports, as farmers claim these imports are negatively impacting their livelihoods.

Yellow peas (pisum sativum), which belongs to the legume family, is not traditionally cultivated in India but is imported and used as a substitute for domestic pulses such as tur/arhar and chana. In countries like Canada, the United States, and Australia, yellow peas are primarily used as cattle feed.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant, Ujjal Bhuyan, and N Kotiswar Singh issued a notice on the PIL filed by 'Kisan Mahapanchayat.' The court asked advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the farmers' organization, to examine whether India produces sufficient pulses domestically.

"We are inclined to issue notice but the net result should not be that the end consumers suffer," the bench stated.

Bhushan argued that yellow peas imported at approximately Rs 35 per kg are adversely affecting farmers who grow pulses like 'tur dal' (pigeon peas), 'moong dal,' and 'urad dal,' which receive a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 85 per kg.

"Numerous reports from expert bodies, including government agencies, have advised against importing yellow peas due to its impact on Indian farmers," he submitted, advocating for restrictions on unrestricted and inexpensive yellow pea imports.

Bhushan noted that both the agriculture ministry and Niti Aayog have recommended against yellow pea imports and instead emphasized enhancing local pulse production.

The bench questioned, "You don't allow imports of yellow peas and then there is a shortage created in the market. We have to avoid hoarding of any kind. You have mentioned that yellow peas were used as cattle fodder in some foreign countries. Have you examined its health impact?"

Bhushan responded that yellow pea consumption has adverse health effects and constitutes a significant problem, adding, "Large number of farmers are dying and committing suicide."

The petition, filed through advocate Neha Rathi, seeks to set aside the May 31 notification issued by the Centre and any similar future notifications permitting unrestricted yellow pea imports. It also requests directions requiring the Centre to impose import restrictions ensuring that yellow peas are sold in India at or above the MSP.

According to the plea, duty-free yellow pea imports have caused selling prices to fall below the MSP guaranteed for Indian-grown pulses like 'tur/arhar' and 'chana.'

The Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP), an expert body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare that recommends MSP to the government, has also recommended banning further yellow pea imports.

The plea emphasized that CACP's recommendations highlight the negative impact of unrestricted imports on domestic pulse markets and pricing, adversely affecting Indian farmers.

The petition argues that the government's import policy contradicts its own expert bodies' views. India reportedly imported an unprecedented 6.7 million tonnes of pulses in 2024, with yellow peas accounting for approximately 2.9 million tonnes.

Most imports have been below MSP rates, which significantly impacts farmers' earnings and distorts the Indian pulse market.