IMC-ERTF Seminar on Indian Pulses – Strategies for Holistic Solutions November 19, Mumbai Theme Address G. Chandrashekhar Economic Advisor, IMC and Director, ERTF

INDIA, a global leader... but World’s largest producer, processor, importer and consumer of pulses Harvested in two seasons; planted in ml ha; ml t output; 4-5 ml t import; ml t annual use; Yet, low per capita availability ( kg p a ); low yield per ha (~700 kg/ha)

India, a global leader... but In India, pulses are cultivated on small and marginal lands, rain-fed (largely unirrigated); low level of input usage; lack of technological breakthrough; susceptibility to pest and disease attacks; weak marketing support; so, fluctuating output, suspect quality, volatile prices; rising import dependence

Pulses deserve a better deal Green Revolution focused on rice and wheat, and bypassed pulses & oilseeds; Pulses have failed to receive adequate policy support, research support and investment support. Our indifference has benefited overseas growers & suppliers who produce pulses with India as target market; Rising import dependence

Pulses deserve a better deal Rising incomes and demographic pressure drive demand up; output growth trails consumption growth; rising imports make India vulnerable to shocks of weather, currency, trade policies etc; Can we afford this?

Growers deserve a better deal Pulses are dry land crops, consume less water, environmentally friendly; Why not use for crop diversification to break grain mono-cropping cycle? Vulnerable pulse growers deserve marketing support; Procurement of even 10% of output will send out strong +ve signals to growers

Consumers deserve a better deal Pulses are economical source of vegetable protein. India’s staple meal is dal-chawal or dal-roti. Pervasive under-nutrition (protein deficiency) is well documented; Why not include pulses in PDS, NFSA, welfare programs? Soy dal analogue.

Mantras for Indian Pulses Sector Invest in seed / input research and extension services to raise yields; Modernise antiquated dal mills; consolidate fragmented capacities to improve scale economies; Work to improve supply chain efficiencies; Will help attract FDI

Mantras for Indian Pulses Sector Educate dal mills and food handlers about food safety, food hygiene; Encourage food companies to research utilization of pulses for wholesome, protein-rich, ready-to-eat, economically- priced snacks Encourage consumption by vulnerable sections through welfare schemes

India can make a difference to the world United Nations has declared 2016 as International Year of Pulses Great opportunity for India to partner, participate, celebrate, benefit Transform the staid Indian pulses sector into a vibrant, globally competitive business.

Thank You G. Chandrashekhar Director, IMC-ERTF IMC Bldg, Mumbai Phone: