The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Centre on a PIL seeking curbs on yellow pea imports, citing harm to pulse farmers. The court warned that consumer interests must not suffer while protecting farmers.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Central Government to give its response on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that has demanded restrictions on the import of yellow peas.
The petition says that the cheap supply of yellow peas is badly affecting the income and survival of farmers in India who grow pulses.
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A bench of Justices Surya Kant, Ujjal Bhuyan and N Kotiswar Singh issued notice to the Centre on the PIL that was filed by the farmers’ organisation ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’.
The court also asked senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, who was appearing for the farmers’ body, to look into the question of whether India has enough production of pulses to meet demand.
The bench observed,
“We are inclined to issue notice but the net result should not be that the end consumers suffer.”
Prashant Bhushan explained to the court that yellow peas are being imported at a very low cost of around Rs 35 per kg, while Indian farmers who grow pulses like tur dal (pigeon peas), moong dal and urad dal get a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 85 per kg.
He submitted that this huge difference in prices is harming Indian farmers and leaving them vulnerable.
He argued that,
“There have been numerous reports of expert bodies, including those of the government, which have asked the government to not import yellow peas as it would impact large-scale Indian farmers.”
Bhushan stressed that the unrestricted and cheap import of yellow peas must be stopped immediately to protect local agriculture.
Bhushan also told the bench that even the Agriculture Ministry and Niti Aayog have given their opinion against the import of yellow peas and have instead recommended boosting the local production of pulses.
The judges expressed concern about the impact of such restrictions on the availability of food in the market. The bench told Bhushan,
“You don’t allow imports of yellow peas and then there is a shortage created in the market. We have to avoid that. You have mentioned that yellow peas were used as cattle fodder in some foreign countries. Have you examined its health impact?”
Responding to this, Bhushan said that the consumption of yellow peas also has negative effects on human health. He replied,
“There are adverse health impacts on people consuming yellow peas and it is a big problem.”
Bhushan pointed out that yellow peas are being imported at a price of about Rs 3,500 per quintal, whereas the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for pulses in India is Rs 8,500 per quintal. He submitted that such a massive price difference is making it impossible for Indian farmers to compete.
He said,
“There have been numerous reports of expert bodies, including those of the government, which have asked the government to not import yellow peas as it would impact large-scale Indian farmers.”
Bhushan cited NITI Aayog’s findings and stressed that
“domestic pulse production must be boosted as heavy reliance on imports leads to volatility.”
The bench raised another concern while hearing the matter. Justice Kant remarked,
“You don’t allow imports of yellow peas and then there is a shortage created in the market. We have to avoid that. You have mentioned that yellow peas were used as cattle fodder in some foreign countries. Have you examined its health impact?”
On this point, Bhushan admitted,
“We don’t know the health impacts.”
When Justice Kant asked to see a picture of yellow peas, Bhushan showed one and said,
“Looks like Arhar.”
He also added that the Agriculture Minister himself has raised concerns with the government over the matter.
Bhushan further argued,
“There are adverse health impacts on people consuming yellow peas and it is a big problem.”
Highlighting the crisis faced by farmers, Bhushan further added,
“Large number of farmers are dying and committing suicide.”
The court will now wait for the Centre’s reply on the matter before taking the next step. The issue has become significant as it involves both consumer affordability and farmer protection.
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