TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar will inaugurate the international Pulses Conclave, in Goa at the Grand Hyatt, from February 19, 20 and 21. The India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) conference is also being supported by the Government of India’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs – Food and Public Distribution System.
The India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA), formerly known as the Pulses Importers Association (PIA) has a vision to make Indian pulses and grains industry globally competitive and help the nation achieve food security as well as nutrition security.
India is the largest producer, consumer and importer of pulses with the country producing as much as 19 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of pulses each year. Globally around 61.34 MMT of pulses are grown each year and around 62.70 MMT consumed.
Pravin Dongre, Chairman of the IPGA told media that India imports around 3-3.5 MMT of pulses annually due to low acreage yield of only 600kgs/ha as opposed to Canada (from where it imports) with average acreage yield of nearly 1700kgs/ha.
The Conclave is aimed at enabling those in this business to plan strategies for the year ahead by networking with business associates from around the world. Lyle Stewart, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Saskatchewan Canada will be leading a Canadian delegation, while trade delegations from major pulse producers such as Canada, Australia, Myanmar, Middle East, Russia, China and several African countries have confirmed participation, adding up to about 800 delegates.
