The World Pulses Day in 2022 offers an opportunity to increase awareness about the nutritional benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production, with the aim of Agri-food systems, if made more appealing and equitable to youth, have the potential to be a major, untapped source of employment possibilities. Agri-food systems are already the largest employer.
Nonetheless, they frequently fail to provide decent and meaningful labor as well as suitable livelihood prospects.
With an annual output of more than 23 million metric tonnes, India is the world's largest producer of pulses. India produces 25% of the world's pulses, consumes 27% of the world's pulses, and imports 14% of the world's pulses. Due to the relentless efforts of farmers, scientists, and farmer-friendly policies implemented by the central government over the last 5-6 years, the country's pulse production has climbed from 140 lakh tonnes to 240 lakh tonnes. We must now consider future requirements as well.
World Pulses Day this year will be celebrated for the fourth time on February 10th, 2022 (Thursday) with the theme, "Pulses to empower youth in achieving sustainable agri-food systems”.
Keeping in mind the above context and to support the UN's theme of this year's World Pulses Day, Krishi Jagran hosted a live session on "Pulses to Empower Youth in Achieving Sustainable Seed Production, Distribution, and Agri-Food System" on February 10th, 2022.
Many prominent industry players will take part and share their perspectives, and one of them was Manprakash Vijay, Assistant General Manager at Ministry of Commerce (APEDA) presented his views on behalf of Dr. Madhaiyaan Angamuthu (IAS), Agricultural and Processed Food Products exports Development Authority(APEDA).
Manprakash Vijay started by telling about the role, responsibility, and functions of APEDA. He told that pulses are also been covered by our organization and highlighted the significance of APEDA in the export of Agricultural as well as Processed Food Products. He presented the contrast between past and present scenarios of pulses export of India with solid export Statistics.
Earlier the nation needed pulses to fulfill the domestic demand. For which the country needs to import a significant quantity of pulses in India, However now pulses production has jumped up, contributing to the Indian export Market for pulses to different countries. Specific pulses such as Kabuli chana and pigeon peas can be observed increasing pulses export across different nations, He further added. He stated the increased export potential of specific pulses such as chickpea and pigeon pea to be 10-12% for the current fiscal year.
