CHATSWOOD, AUSTRALIA — The Indian government has suspended tariffs on desi chickpeas, a decision lauded as a boost for the Australian and Indian pulse markets by Grains Australia, which said it is keen to help build on the development.

The chickpea tariffs had been equivalent to about 66% of the price, Grains Australia said. Tariffs on chickpeas initially set at 33% were established by India in 2017-18, effectively eliminating Australian chickpea exports into India, the world’s biggest consumer of chickpeas.

“This welcome decision by the Indian government shows the value of continued, respectful government and industry engagement with a highly valued trading partner,” said Peter Wilson, chairman, Grains Australia.

An initiative of the Grains Research and Development Corp. (GRDC), Grains Australia is responsible for vital industry services and functions that improve the industry’s competitiveness and profitability. Wilson said the suspension of the tariffs, effective until March 31, 2025, was likely to deliver more reliable pricing for Australian chickpeas and add depth to already solid markets.

“It will increase competition for Australian chickpeas, which are already exported into other important markets, including Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan,” he said.

John Ackerman, general manager Trade and Market Access, Grains Australia, said the organization looks forward to collaborating with industry and government to build on this development with the Indian government.

“It is a wonderful opportunity, and we will be focused on ensuring we are meeting the needs of our chickpea markets, including supplying an affordable, high-quality product,” Ackerman said.

Grains Australia, with support from the Australian Government, was represented in New Delhi, India, earlier this year at “Pulses 2024,” the annual conference of the Global Pulse Confederation and a major event on the global pulse calendar.