Download IMC-ERTF Seminar on Indian Pulses * Strategies for Holistic

IMC-ERTF
Seminar on Indian Pulses –
Strategies for Holistic Solutions
November 19, 2015. 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
25-26 ml ha; 17-19 ml t output; 4-5 ml
t import; 22-23 ml t annual use;
• Yet, low per capita availability (14-15
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, economicallypriced 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 400020
Phone: 919821147594
email:
[email protected]
[email protected]