India, Feb. 6 -- Farmers engaged in the cultivation of the highly consumed arhar or tur dal (pigeon pea) in India are currently in a dilemma. Last month, the central government extended the duty-free import period for arhar dal by another year.

A notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on January 20, 2025, stated, "The policy of duty-free import of tur dal has been extended until March 31, 2026."

This government decision has come at a time when farmers in major arhar-producing states like Maharashtra and Karnataka are getting ready to sell their crops in the market.

Abhay Shah, a trader from Latur, Maharashtra, which is a major hub for pulses purchase and production, told Down to Earth (DTE), "Last year, ...