Pulses research and development strategies for india

Page 5

Dear Patron,

Greetings and best wishes!

These are best of times for the global pulses

industry. On one hand, there has been a resurgence

in the demand for pulses in an increasingly health

conscious society. On the other hand, there have

been continuous research and development

efforts to place pulses as an important and

essential component of the food ingredient

market. Progressive governments have realized

the importance of Pulses in achieving their goals on nutritional security

and sustainable agriculture practices. Given all these, the United Nations

Organisation has rightly assigned 2016 as the International Year of Pulses (IYOP).

The global pulses industry has seized this opportunity and has set itself an

impressive list of ‘to do’ tasks to transform pulses from a ‘bulk commodity’ to

an ‘appealing and healthy food of choice’. We wish all the stakeholders – CICILS

and its stakeholder members, a resounding success in their efforts on this

momentous occasion.

Pulses Handbook 2015 focuses on several crucial issues pertaining to pulses

ranging from production and productivity improvement, sustainability,

environmental impact, role of markets and institutions, trade and supply chain

to technology trends and food safety aspects. I take this opportunity to thank

all the experts, who have committed their time and expressed their views for

the benefit of the industry. In this edition, we have added two new sections-

data section and a directory of importers and exporters. I must admit that the

directory is a partial list, as we have to do the due diligence of verifying the

database before publishing it. We hope to continue the efforts and keep you

updated. If you wish to be a part of the database, please email us your company

details.

I place on record our sincere thanks to all the sponsors and advertisers, without

whose support such projects do not happen. Their generous support has

helped us to reach out to a large number of stakeholders of this vibrant industry

through print and online editions.

I thank the team at Foretell under the leadership of Mr. Naveen Ramaiah that

has put in efforts to bring out this year’s edition on time for you. Lastly, I thank

all of you, our beloved patrons, who have been supporting all our initiatives

with your valuable feedback and suggestions. This Handbook is dedicated to

you all- the proud stakeholders of pulses industry. We look forward to your

suggestions and feedback (email us at [email protected]).

Once again best wishes to all the stakeholders participating in 2015 CICILS

World Pulses Conference in Las Vegas! Have a very productive and fun-filled

conference.

Best wishes and good luck.

G Srivatsava

G Srivatsava

President

Vinayak Meharwade

Vice President

Research Team

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Naveen R

Kempa Reddy

Abhijeet Anand

Lopamudra Dhal

Venkatraman S

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Page 8 www.commodityindia.com

Sections Contents Page.No

Section-1

Production, Productivity &

Environmental Sustainability

Dry peas-a premium substitute for world’s protein basket

Vinay K Soni, Head of Business Consulting, Foretell Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd.14

Pulses research and development strategies for India

CL Laxmipathi Gowda, Sushil K Chaturvedi, Pooran M Gaur, CV Sameer Kumar and

Aravind K Jukanti

GRSV Consulting Services, ICRISAT, IIPR, CAZRI, India

17

Production and productivity of pulses: Indian Perspectives

S.K. Datta, B.B. Singh, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Asst. Director General, ICAR,

New Delhi

34

Pulses production and productivity in India

Purushottam and Deepak Singh, Senior Scientist and Scientist (SS)

Indian Institute of Pulse Research, India

38

Production of pulses in Asia: sustainability issues

Subash Dasgupta, Senior Plant Production Officer, FAO Regional Office for Asia

and the Pacific, Thailand

41

Environment and pulses

PS Basu, Principal Scientist, Indian Institute of Pulses Research48

Section-2

Pulses Processing Technology

Modern pulses milling technology

Juan Carlos Arriola, Technical Specialist, Milling Technology, Cigi

(Canadian Internati onal Grains Insti tute)

55

Pulses processing scenario in India

Kempa Reddy and Abhijeet Anand, Agri-Business Analysts, Foretell Business Solu-

tions Pvt. Ltd.

59

Overview of pulse milling and processing technologies

Sathyendra Rao. B.V and Srinivas. A, Senior Principal Scientists in Department of

Grain Science & Technology, CSIR, Mysuru

63

New pulse processing technologies meet changing world needs

Prasad Jaripatke, Head of Bühler’s Pulses Business Segment, Bangalore65

Branding of minor pulses in India

Nirali Bhatt, Global Agro Commodities68

Section-3

Health, Nutrition &

Food Innovation

Health benefits of pulses

Charan Wadhawan, Senior Scientist, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute

(AURI), USA

70

Reserve mobilized pulses– a timely addition to the nutrient deficient Indian diet

R. Sujatha, Consultant – Diet and Food Processing, India72

Various gluten-free food applications of pulses

H.D Maskus and T.B Loader, Project manager, Pulse Flour Milling &

Food Applications, Cigi (Canadian International Grains Institute)

75

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T

Page 9www.commodityindia.com

Sections Contents Page.No

Pulses as food ingredients in India

P. Vennila, Professor (FSN) in Agricultural Engineering College and Research

Institute, India

78

Tall, strong and handsome!

…the new Pentaseal Pouch.

Nichrome

80

Section-4

Security & Creating

Awarness

Pulses for food security of India

C. S. Praharaj and Ummed Singh, Principal Scientist

Indian Institute of Pulses Research

82

Pulses as an essential food ingredients and ways to increase food consumption

Jagdish Singh & RajaniKanaujia, Principal Scientist (Biochemistry) & Head, Divi-

sion of Basic Sciences, IIPR, India

85

Section-5

Outlook, Markets and Trade

Australian pulses crop outlook

Peter Wilson, CEO of Australia Milling Group89

Australian 2015 pulse outlook

Tim Edgecombe (CEO Pulse Australia), Cindy Benjamin (Pulse Australia communi-

cations consultant)

91

Myanmar pulses industry

Soe Win Maung, Consultant, Myanmar Pulses, Beans and Sesame Seed Producti

on, Myanmar

94

Myanmar pulses market and its trade

Shyam Narsaria, CEO, Arvee International Pvt Ltd. (Yangon Branch), Myanmar97

Outlook on lentils and peas

Harsha Kukreja Rai, Vice President Global Sales, Mayur Global Corporation100

Towards the holistic development of pulses economy

Pallavi Oak, Dy. Manager - Knowledge Management, NCDEX102

Price outlook on lentils and peas

Venkatraman S, Sr. Commodity Analyst, FBSPL105

Pulses markets and trade-India

Gaurav Bagdai, Tha. Gopaldas Popatlal, General Merchant and Commission

Agent, India

106

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T


List of abbreviations and terminologies

AB Advanced Backcross

ACRIP (MULLaRP) All India Coordinated Research Project on Mungbean, urdbean, Lentil, Lathyrus, Rajmash &

Pea

ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

AICPIP All India Coordinated Pulse Improvement Project

ANF Anti Nutritional Factors

ATP Adenosine Triphosphate

AVRDC Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center

CAD Current Account Deficit

CExC Crop Exchange Centers

CFTRI Central Food Technological Research Institute

Cigi Canadian International Grains Institute

CPI Consumer Price indices

CSIR Council of Scientific & Industrial Research

EFP Exchange of Futures for Physicals

FAO Food and Agricultural Organization

FAQ Fair Average Quality

FDI Foreign Direct Investment

FOB Free on Board

FPOs Farmer Producers’ Organizations

FQ First Quality

FW Fusarium Wilt

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GXE Genotype x Environment

HTI Heat Tolerance Index

ICAR Indian Council of Agricultural Research

ICARDA International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas

ICRISAT International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics

IGP Indo-Gangetic plains

IIP Index of Industrial Production

IMF International Monetary Fund

INR Indian Rupee

IPCC Intergovernmental Panels on Climate Change

ITC International Trade Centre

KFCSC State Food and Civil Supplies Department, Government of Karnataka

Kg Kilogram

KTAML Karnataka Togari Abhivrudhi Mandali Limited

Lac tons Lakh tonnes (100000 tonnes or 100 thousand tonnes)

MABC Marker Assisted Back-Cross Breeding

MARS Marker assisted recurrent selection

mha Million Hectares

mt Million Tonnes

MTs Metric Tonnes


MYMV Mungbean yellow mosaic virus

NCDEX National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange

NDA National Democratic Alliance

NDC National Development Council

NeML NCDEX e-Markets Limited

NFSM National Food Security Mission

NICRA National Initiative on Climate resilient Agriculture

NRCPB National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology

NTBs Non-tariff barrier

NWPZ North Western Plains Zone

PCM Protein Calorie Malnutrition

RBA Reserve Bank of Australia

ReMS Rashtriya e-markets and Services Private Limited

RKVY Rashtriya KrishiVikasYojana

SQ Special Quality

TBTs Technical barrier to trade

TDF Total Dietary Fibre

TILLING Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes

UMP Unified Market Platform

USDA United States Department of Agriculture

US Pounds 1000 Pounds = 0.453 592 37 Metric Ton

WGA Whole Genome Association

List of local terminologies

Adai mix: It is a mixture of Rice, Bengal gram, green gram; rolled oats, asafoetida, red chillies, curry leaves, salt and can be

directly used to make Adai by frying. Adai is mainly used as a popular snack item in South India

Bonda mix: It is a mixture of deep fried chickpea battered with some spices and prepared by using potato, onion etc.,

Bisibelebhat: It’s a rice-based dish with its origins in the state of Karnataka, India. Bisi-bele-bhaath translates to hot lentil rice

Curried chholay: Gravy of dollar chana (kabuli chana) and spices especially made in the northern part of India

Curried dhal: Gravy made of up mainly pulses and Indian spices especially served with boiled rice and wheat bread.

Dhokla mix: It is a healthy, readily available powder, which can be used to make Khaman ( a Gujarati delicacy) batter in minutes.

Dosa: It is a fermented crepe made from rice batter and black lentils. It is a staple dish in South Indian states

Gota: Dehusked whole pulse

Idli: It’s a traditional breakfast in South Indian households. Idli is a savoury cake that is popular throughout India and

neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka

Pakoda mix: It is a mixture of deep fried chickpea battered with some spices and prepared by using onion

Sambhar: Sambar is a lentil based vegetable stew or chowder based on a broth made with tamarind popular in South Indian and

Sri Lankan Tamil cuisines adapted in each to its taste and environment

Vada mix: It is a common term for many different types of savoury fritter-type snacks from South India with a set of common

ingredients and prepared from a thick batter of Black gram or coarsely ground Bengal gram which has been fermented. This

mixture is then seasoned by mixing with cumin seeds, onion, curry leaves (sometimes previously sauteed), salt, chillies and/or

black pepper grains

Section-1

Production, Productivity &

Environmental Sustainability


Dry peas-a premium substitute for World’s protein basketVinay K Soni, Head - Business Consulting, Foretell Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd. India

Dry Pea (Pisum sativum) is one

kind of legume crop which is

grown and consumed in the

world since very long time. It

has been a part of western diet

as one of the staple ingredients

in various preparations like

soup, snack foods, bakery

products etc. Some sources

claim that nutrition value of

peas has been recognized

10,000 BC during the human civilization era. Peas are high

in protein and low in fat containing only two grams of fat

per 365 calories. Similarly it is a natural food source which

contains highest amounts of fiber i.e. 25.5 grams of fiber per

100 gram. On the other hand, pea crop helps in protecting

and providing nutrition to soil, as it can be grown in rainfed

(less irrigation) conditions and with no or minimal usage

of chemicals and fertilizers. Soil fertility increases with dry

pea crop as it replenishes nitrogen in the soil and stands as

perfect option for crop rotation cycle.

Dry pea is the second largest type of pulses crops produced

in the world after dry bean. In earlier days, the dry pea

is mainly cultivated for feed purposes in Americas and

European countries. Even today, around 15-20% of total pea

cultivated is supplied for feed purposes. But majority of the

peas produced is now consumed by humans mainly in the

Asian regions. This is one major transformation of dry pea

from animal feed to human food.

High nutritive contents such as fiber and protein, less

expensive than other pulses and similar organoleptic

properties as per major consumed pulses type in the

consuming countries are some of the key reasons why dry

pea entered into those markets as substitute. However,

declining production level of major pulses crops, minimal

government support, lower productivity etc. are the few

other important external reasons for adaptation of peas in

their meals by the major consuming countries.

World Pulses and Dry Pea Production Scenario

During the period 2001-2013, the average annual world

pulses production was 63.8 million tonnes. Compounded

annual growth rate (CAGR) in world pulses production

during the same period was 2.18%. Dry beans and Chickpeas

were the top two produced pulses in the world with annual

average production of 21.1 million tonnes and 9.5 million

tonnes respectively. CAGR of these two pulses during the

year 2001-2013 was 2% and 5% respectively.

The production of the dry pea has undergone transformation

too. Two decades ago, the production of dry pea was

concentrated in Europe (France and Russian Federation)

but later it gained popularity in the USA and Canada, the

dominant players in the trade today.

The world production of dry peas averages around 10.4-10.5

million tonnes annually (2001-2014). Average area under

dry pea is 6.33-6.50 million ha and average productivity or

yield is 1630 Kg/ha during the same period. The area and

production trend is seen to be almost stagnant during the

year 2001-2014. However, in the last five year scenario there

has been a slight increase in the annual production at 2.9%

which is mostly due to stable yield level in the first three

years and enhancement in the productivity in the next year

of 2013 & 2014.

Fig 1: World’s Total Pulses Scenario (2001-2013)

Fig 2: Production Scenario of Dry Pea in the World


Table 1: Annual average World Dry Peas area, production &

yield scenario

2001-2014 2010-2014

Absolute % Change Absolute % Change

Area (Mha) 6.33 0.50% 6.50 0.28%

Production (MTonne)

10.41 0.19% 10.57 2.89%

Yield (Kg/Ha) 1646 -0.32% 1627 2.59%

Major Contributors in World Dry Pea Production

Canada is the single largest producer of dry pea in the world

followed by Russian Federation, China, France and India.

Mix trend in production of dry pea is seen in these top five

countries, top two country’s production growth is positive

at 4% and 3.4% respectively whereas other three countries

have shown a declining growth of -0.3%, -10.4% and -0.6%

respectively.

Fig 3: Country-wise Dry Pea Production Trend and Growth Scenario (2001-2013)

Export of Dry peas

Annual average export of dry pea in the world during the year 2001-2013 is 3.81 million tonnes. The world export of dry pea is

growing up by 4.67% during the same period.

Table 2: Export trend of Dry Peas in the World

Country Avg (2001-06) 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Growth % (2001-13)

Canada 1.67 2.19 1.60 2.61 2.79 2.85 1.93 2.83 7.1

France 0.57 0.35 0.28 0.22 0.30 0.32 0.28 0.24 -8.7

USA 0.22 0.48 0.50 0.50 0.52 0.34 0.36 0.44 13.7

Australia 0.23 0.13 0.12 0.12 0.19 0.26 0.21 0.18 -1.9

Russian Fed 0.08 0.02 0.04 0.26 0.15 0.46 0.59 0.34 22.6

Ukraine 0.16 0.07 0.08 0.27 0.15 0.17 0.17 0.11 2.3

Others 0.39 0.44 0.41 0.27 0.43 0.44 0.53 1.14 4.4

World 3.30 3.69 3.02 4.24 4.54 4.84 4.06 5.27 4.7

Quantity in Million Tonnes

Major Importers of Dry peas

There is one commonality in major dry importing countries i.e. all are major rice consuming countries either as main ingredient or

used to make other products. Raw, Dal (cooked liquid pulses), flour, admixture for bakery, snack food and other products (Noodles,

Cake, Filling agent) are the major forms in which different pulses are consumed in these countries.

Table 3: Country-wise import trend of Dry Peas

Country Avg of 2004-08 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Growth % (2004-13)

India 1.13 1.68 1.54 1.87 1.50 1.23 8.0

China 0.22 0.37 0.55 0.73 0.67 1.03 26.2

Pakistan 0.11 0.07 0.16 0.10 0.19 0.16 3.3

Bangladesh 0.13 0.30 0.19 0.29 0.40 0.26 17.1

Spain 0.50 0.08 0.08 0.11 0.16 0.03 -25.9

Quantity in Million Tonnes

Why does India and China import Dry Peas?

Production of pulses is seen to be declining in both (India and China) major pulses consuming countries in the world. In China,

other competitive and more value crops like maize, wheat and cotton cultivation are being promoted. No support is laid by the

government to promote pulses cultivation. Mung bean (green gram) is one of the major pulses cultivated and consumed in various


types and forms in China. Over the years, there has been a

large fluctuation in production of Mung bean. In India, Chick

pea is considered as multi-applicable pulses, i.e. it is consumed

in forms of raw, splits, powder, roasted/fried, snack food etc.

The organoleptic characteristics along with the price make the

dry peas as close substitutable. The quantum of production of

Mung bean in China and Chick pea in India has a direct effect on

quantum of import of dry peas into these two countries.

Fig 4: Mung Bean Production vs Dry Peas Import in China

Fig 5: Chickpea Production vs Dry Peas Import in India

What in the Nut Shell

India is largest importer of dry peas in the world and and

uses dry pea for the human consumption purposes. Decline

in the total pulses production in India is a worrying factor

for the government, hence pulses development plan under

national food security mission (NFSM) has been announced to

promote pulses production by providing highy yielding seeds,

farm inputs, cash subsidies, mechanisation support and also

price support to the farmers. Red gram, Chick peas, Lentils

like climate suitable crops are focused in this program. India

has banned export of pulses and pulses products since the

year 2007 onwards. This has an adverse impact on production

of some pulses like lentils which was earlier exported from

India. Industry experts and government formed committee

have recommendaded that opening export of pulses could

boost pulses production in India. Government has started

thinking on this recomondation. If it happens, India may start

exporting pulses to neighbouring countries like Bangladesh,

Sri Lanka where lentils used to be exported. In India, dry

pea is now a major part of government’s subsidized grain

distribution programme under Public Distribution System

(PDS). Procurement of pulses at Minimum Support Price by the

government (as is done in case of Rice and Wheat) is also a key

recommendation to support pulses development programe and

in this case, the procured pulses may replace dry peas.

China’s import of dry pea is influenced by production and

prices of Mung bean as it used as replacement in some of the

food preparations. Chinese know the health benefits of Mung

bean and hence products made of it are sold at the higher or

premium price. So there will some level of resistance to import

more dry pea as it is still used as substitute.

.......................................................................................................

The author can be contacted at vinay.soni@commodityindia.

com, [email protected], Contact No. +91 9343732244

Disclaimer- Views are personal


Pulses research and development strategies for indiaCL Laxmipathi Gowda, Sushil K Chaturvedi, Pooran M Gaur, CV Sameer Kumar and Aravind K Jukanti

GRSV Consulting Services, ICRISAT, IIPR, CAZRI, India

I. Introduction

The world population is

projected to grow from

the current ~7.3 billion (in

2015) to ~8.9 billion by 2050

(United Nations Report

2004). Therefore, increasing

food production to provide

food and nutritional security

is a challenge. Food and

nutritional security becomes

all the more important with

the certainty of climate

change scenario and ever

increasing human population.

These twin challenges can be addressed to by diversifying the

global cropping pattern and by promoting food/grain legume

crops, generally called Pulses in India. Legumes include ~750

genera and ~18000 species (Graham and Vance 2003; Polhill et

al. 1981). The Legume family consists of important food grain,

oilseed, forage, and agroforestry species. The domestication

of legumes by humans dates back to Neolithic times. Chickpea

(Cicerarietinum) is one of the seven Neolithic founder crops

of the near East (Lev-Yadun et al. 2000). Some of the earliest

domesticated legumes include: lentil (Lens culinaris; ~9000 yrs;

Cohen 1977),beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and soybean (Glycine max;

~3000 year;Hymowitzand Singh, 1987; Kaplan and Lynch, 1999).

Legumes form an important part of human daily diet especially in

several developing and some developed countries and therefore

sometimes legumes are considered as poor man’s meat.

Pulses are produced on ~12-15% of global arable land and

their contribution to total human dietary protein nitrogen

requirement is ~30% (Graham and Vance 2003). Most

important dietary pulses include chickpea, beans, lentil, green

gram(mungbean), black gram (urdbean) field peas, pigeonpea,

and cow pea. Soybean and groundnut are important oilseed

legumes meeting ~35% of the global vegetable oil requirement

(Graham and Vance 2003), and are also used as protein

supplements. The global legume/pulse production, area and

yield during 2013 was ~73 million tonnes (MT), ~80.8 million ha

(m ha) and ~904 kg ha-1respectively (FAOSTAT 2015). Legume/

pulse production, area and yield during the same period was

~18.3 MT (~25% of the global production), 28.2 m ha (~35% of

global area) and 650 kg ha-1respectively. Further, Africa and

Asia together contribute ~49 MT, i.e., 67% of the global pulse

production. India’s production of different legumes during 2013

was: chickpea (~13.1 MT), pigeonpea (~4.74 MT), lentils (~1.13

MT), dry peas (0.6 MT), groundnut with shell (9.4 MT) and

soybean (11.95 MT; FAOSTAT 2015). Overall, the global legume

production has increased by ~1.7 times between 1961 and 2011

and during the same period cereal production has increased

by ~ 3 times. The yield per hectare of legumes has increased

only by ~1.4 times to that of ~3.0 times in cereals. All these

factors contribute to an overall short-supply of legumes globally,

especially pulses in India.

More than a dozen pulses crops are grown in different parts

of India. Among them, chickpea (gram or chana), pigeonpea

(tur), mungbean (green gram or moong), urdbean (black

gram or mash), lentil (masoor) and fieldpea (matar) are most

common ones. During 2013-14, India produced 19.27 MT of

pulses, and about 3.18 MT of pulses worth more than Rs. 11038

crores (US$1.8 billion) were imported from Canada, Australia,

Myanmar, Turkey, Syria, Tanzania, etc. during same year. The

results from frontline demonstrations clearly indicated that

pulses production can be enhanced to the desired level if

appropriate technology transfer efforts are made. India has

witnessed an impressive growth in pulses production during

last 5 years with the good compound growth rate. The growth

rate of pulse production (2.61%) during last one decade was

even higher than the growth rate of rice (1.59%), wheat (1.89%)

and total cereals (1.88%). This has also had a direct effect on

per capita availability of pulses (39.4 g/capita/day from the

earlier 36g/capita/day). Among different pulses, the highest

growth rate was observed in chickpea production (5.89%)

followed by pigeonpea (2.61%). The overall productivity of

pulses increased to an impressive 786 kg ha-1 during 2012-13

as compared to 577 kg ha-1during 2004-05. The credit goes

to the improved varieties and production of breeder seed,

demonstration of pulses production technologies through

technology demonstrations, frontline demonstrations, policy

support and various schemes like National Food Security

Mission (NFSM), RashtriyaKrishiVikasYojana (RKVY), and

accelerated pulses production program (A3P) etc. launched by

the central government to promote pulses cultivation. In order

to ensure self-sufficiency, the requirement for pulses in the

country is projected at 39 million tonnes by the year 2050; at an

annual growth rate of2.2%. This will require a pragmatic change

in research and developmental strategies, beside good policy

support from the government.

II. Why Pulses?

Pulses in general are nutritionally enriched as they have high

protein content, relative to staple cereals. In addition to their

nutritional content, there are several reasons that strongly

CL Laxmipathi Gowda


support legume cultivation and adoption. Important reasons

for their cultivation include: (i) suitability for human and animal

consumption, (ii) adaptability for inter- or mixed cropping,

(iii) agronomic management of legumes is relatively easy, (iv)

legumes are relatively hardy crops and grown in some of poorer

soils and harsh growing conditions and face lower incidence

of pests and diseases, (v) input (especially nitrogen fertilizer)

requirement is lower compared to other crops,and (vi) legumes

are also considered as cash crops. Though legume cultivation

has several advantages they also suffer from some limitations

restricting their cultivation, especially limited availability of

quality seeds of improved varieties, harvesting is tedious,in

addition to labour requirement for value addition, and most

importantly volatility of markets.

Grain composition of pulses

‘Protein Calorie Malnutrition (PCM)’ is a global concern especially

in infants, young children and nursing mothers. The protein

content of legumes is substantially higher (20-36.0%; Gowda et

al 2014) compared to major cereals (6.0-15.0%; Champagne et al

2004; Shewry 1993, 2009; Zuber and Darrah 1987). The protein

content of important grain legumes is: pigeonpea [21.7 g 100-g],

chickpea [19.3 g 100-g], lentil [25.8 g 100-g], bean [23.4 g 100-g],

cowpea [~24.0 g 100-g] and, soybean [36.5 g 100-g] (USDA 2013).

Additionally, high variability (60-92%) was observed for in vitro

protein digestibility (IVPD) for different legume crops (Gowda et

al 2014). Further, the commonly consumed legumes were found

to have a relatively balanced amount of all the required essential

amino acids.

Minerals are important in human metabolism and mineral

deficiencies are often associated with some human diseases/

disorders like cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, cancer,

and neurodegenerative disorders (Cabrera et al 2003). Pulses

are a good source of different minerals. Consumption of 100-

200 mg of legumes can meet the daily requirement of different

minerals: e.g. the daily zinc requirement of 3.0mg/day for

women and 4.2 mg/day for men (FAO 2002) can be met by

consumption of 100-200 mg of lentil, cowpea, and chickpea.

Similarly, daily iron requirement (1.46 mg/day for women

and 1.05 mg/day for men) can be met by consuming 100 g of

most of the food legumes.Further, legumes are good source

of different types of Vitamin B, folic acid, and α/γ tocopherol

(Gowda et al 2014). Additionally, legumes like chickpea and

bean also provide β-carotene and Vitamin-K.

The fat content of many pulses ranges between ~1-6 g/100 g

(USDA 2013). Chickpea hasthe highest fat content (~6.0g/100

g) among the grain legumes, almost about 3-4 times higher

than others. The range of polyunsaturated, monounsaturated

and saturated fatty acids (PUFAs, MUFAs and SFAs) in most of

the pulses is 40-60%, 20-25% and 15%,respectively (Gowda et

al 2014). Legumes are a good source of health promoting fatty

acids like linoleic, linolenic, oleicand palmitic acids. Additionally,

most of the legumes are also good source of carbohydrates

(30-60%; USDA 2013). The different carbohydrates in legumes

include: (i) monosaccharides – glucose, fructose and ribose

(ii) disaccharides – maltose and sucrose (iii) oligosaccharides

– ciceritol, verbascose, stachyose, and raffinose,(iv)

polysaccharides – starch, cellulose and hemicellulose (Chibar

et al 2004, 2010; Han and Baik 2006).Higher oligosaccharide

content in chickpea leads to higher flatulence (Jaya et al., 1979;

Rao and Belavady, 1978). The main carbon reserve in grains of

legumes starch and is constituted of amylose and amylopectin

(Chibar et al 2010).Grain legumes are a good source of fibre and

total dietary fibre (TDF) content in legumes is ~8-27.5% (Guillon

and Champ 2002). Several health benefits are associated with

increased consumption of dietary fibre including reduced risk

of several diseases (cardiovascular disease/diabetes/cancer/

obesity) and also lowers blood cholesterol levels (Tosh and Yada

2010; Marlett et al 2002).

III. Future Strategies for Increasing Pulses Productivity and

Production

1. Chickpea

Chickpea (Cicerarietinum) has always been the most important

pulse crop of India and its global importance has increased

considerably during the past three decades. The number of

chickpea growing countries has increased from 36 to 52 and

importing countries from 30 to 150 during 1981 to 2011.

Chickpea reached a record high global area of 13.3 million ha

(mha) and production of 11.75 million tons (MT) during 2011.

In 2013 the area of chickpea cultivation increased to 13.5 m ha

but production remained at 13.1 MT (FAOSTAT 2015). Chickpea

is currently the second most important food legume in the

world after common bean. During 2013, 89.20% of the chickpea

area and 84.47% of production was in Asia, 3.57% and 4.05%

in Africa, 4.24% and 6.22% in Oceania, 2.44% and 4.55% in

Americas and 0.55% and 0.71% in Europe (FAOSTAT 2015). The

major chickpea producing countries,which contributed to about

90% of the global chickpea production during 2013, include

India (67.4%), Australia (6.21%), Pakistan (5.73%), Turkey

(3.86%), Myanmar (3.74%), Iran (2.25%)

There has been an impressive growth in area, production and

productivity of chickpea in India during the past decade. The

year 2011 was particularly rewarding as the chickpea production

exceeded 8 MTfor the first time and the area reached 9.2 m ha,

which was~0.4 mha less than the highest chickpea area recorded

in 1962 (~9.57 mha). Overall, India’s contribution towards global

chickpea area and production is about 70%, so the global trend

follows the Indian trend in chickpea area and production.

Chickpea is a cool season crop and general perception is that

it requires cooler and longer winter season and more suited

to northern India. It was probably true for the earlier varieties

which were bred for cooler, long-season environments confining

the chickpea production to northern and central India. However,


the scenario of chickpea cultivation has drastically changed

in India during the past five decades, primarily because of

two factors:(i) the green revolution that intensified wheat

cultivation in northern India replacing post-rainy season pulses,

particularly chickpea, and (ii) development of short duration

chickpea varieties which are better adapted to warmer, short-

season environments ofcentral and southern India. There has

been a major shift (about 4.0 million ha) in chickpea area from

northern India (cooler, long-season environments) to central

and southern India (warm, short-season environments).During

the triennium 1965-67 and 2010-12, the chickpea area declined

from 4.7 to 0.7 million ha in northern states (Punjab, Haryana

and Uttar Pradesh), while it increased from 2.1 to 6.1 million ha

in central and southern states (Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,

Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka).

1.1 Strategies for enhancing chickpea production in India

There are tremendous opportunities for further increasing area

and productivity of chickpea in India. The following chickpea

improvement strategies are proposed for enhancing chickpea

production in India:

Input responsive and non-lodging varieties:The chickpea

area has reduced drastically (about 4.0 million ha) in northern

India because the existing varieties are not responsive to high

input conditions and tend to show excessive vegetative growth

and lodging when grown in fertile alluvial and black soil and

receive rains or irrigations during crop growth. Re-introducing

legumes for crop diversification in cereal-dominated cropping

system of northern India is very much needed for enhancing

and sustaining cropping system productivity. The chickpea crop

can be made more profitable and competitive by developing

chickpea varieties which are non-lodging and responsive to

high input conditions. This will require long-term investment in

research on restructuring the plant type. The other traits need

to be combined are resistance to foliar diseases (ascochyta

blight and botrytis grey mold), herbicide tolerance and

suitability to machine harvesting.

Abiotic Stress Tolerance: Drought and heat are the major abiotic

stresses affecting chickpea at reproductive and terminal phases of

crop growth especially in central and southern India. The residual

nature of soil moisture coupled with progressively receding soil

moisture conditions and increasing temperatures towards end of

the crop season impact the crop severely. Early maturing and stress

tolerant cultivars are required to combat these stress conditions.

Excellent progress has been made to develop chickpea breeding

lines with improved heat tolerance. Breeding lines with enhanced

drought tolerance have been developed through marker-assisted

breeding. Thus, breeding lines can be developed which combine

both drought and heat tolerance.

Vast rice-fallow areas (~10 million ha) available in eastern

India (Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and West Bengal)

offer opportunities for expanding chickpea area. The earlier

experiments clearly demonstrated that chickpea is a very

suitable pulse crop for rice-fallows, provided suitable varieties

and technologies for crop establishment are available. The

most important traits required in chickpea varieties for rice-

fallows include early to extra-early maturity and tolerance

to reproductive stage heat tolerance. An early maturing

heat tolerant chickpea variety JG 14 (ICCV 92944) is already

becoming popular in Eastern India. This variety can be further

promoted and used as a benchmark for developing better

performing varieties.

Biotic Stress Tolerance: Dry root rot (DRR) and Fusarium wilt

have emerged as highly devastating root diseases of chickpea

in central and southern India. There are many wilt resistant

varieties, but there is a need to enhance efforts on identifying

sources of resistance to DRRin the germplasm of cultivated

and wild species and combine resistance to DRR and wilt in the

varieties developed for central and southern India.

Pod borer (Helicoverpaarmigera) continues to remain a

major and challenging insect-pest of chickpea.It has not been

possible to develop varieties with high levels of resistance to

pod borer due to non-availability of sources with high levels of

resistance. Higher levels of resistance have observed in some

wild species and efforts are being made to exploit these wild

species in improving pod borer resistance. Greater chances

for development of pod borer resistant cultivars exist through

application of transgenic technology. Concerted efforts are

needed on using different transgenes and promoter options

for developing transgenic events and their evaluations for

effectiveness and biosafety.

Chickpea is a poor competitor to weeds especially at early

growth stages. Weeds compete with the crop for nutrients,

water, sunlight, and space. Therefore, herbicide tolerance in

chickpea is another important trait. Chickpea is sensitive to

herbicides and manual weeding is currently the only option for

weed control. Development of herbicide-tolerant cultivars can

help in controlling weeds economically and also facilitate no-till

methods, which help preserve topsoil. Presently ICRISAT, IIPR,

IARI and four state agriculture universities (SAUs) are working

together in a project funded by NFSM for developing machine-

harvestable and herbicide tolerant chickpea cultivars.

Extra-large kabuli varieties for domestic and international

market:Extra-large kabuli chickpea fetches premium price in

domestic and international markets. Thus, there is a substantial

area under extra-large kabuli chickpea in Madhya Pradesh,

Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Considering the demand of

extra-large kabuli chickpea varieties in India, a research project

on “Development of extra-large seeded kabuli chickpea” was

funded through ISOPOM during 2006-2009. The breeding lines

developed under this project have led to release of three extra-


large kabuli cultivars. There is a need to enhance adoption of

improved extra-large seeded cultivars. Efforts are further needed

on development of better varieties which have better plant type,

higher yield potential and resistance to fusarium wilt.

Super-early varieties for green grains: The immature green

grains of chickpea are used as a vegetable or snack throughout

India. Early flowering and low temperature tolerance are

needed in a chickpea variety for early podding in northern India.

Similarly, a combination of early maturity and heat tolerance is

required for staggered planting and continuous supply of green

seeds in other parts of India. There is a need to develop super-

early chickpea varieties with acceptable seed size, resistance

to fusarium wilt, tolerance to cold and heat tolerance at

reproductive phase and should harvested in ~60-70 days for

green pods.

Machine harvestable and herbicide tolerant varieties:

Enhancing mechanization of farm operations for improving

efficiency and reducing the cost of cultivation is being widely

adopted in India. The farmers are demanding chickpea cultivars

which can be directly harvested by combine harvesters.

The current chickpea cultivars are not suited to mechanical

harvesting because the plant height is not adequate and the

branches are close to ground due to semi-spreading growth

habit. Development of chickpea cultivars with 30 to 40% more

height compared to thepresent cultivars with semi-erect to

erect growth habit is essential for mechanical harvesting.

Nutritionally enhanced varieties: Chickpea is the most

consumed pulse crop of India and it contains high protein

content (20-22%). Though wide variation has been observed

for protein content (14 to 30%) in chickpea germplasm, no

efforts have been made to breed for high protein varieties.

The high protein germplasm accessions already identified

can be exploited for development of high protein varieties.

An improvement in the protein content by 20-25% appears

feasible. The high protein chickpea cultivars will improve protein

availability to the people by 20 to 25% from the same amount

of chickpea consumed.

Development of chickpea varieties with higher beta-carotene

(precursor of Vitamin A) levels and micronutrient contents is

highly desired for India where it is the most consumed pulse

crop. Limited studies conducted on assessing genetic variability

for nutritional quality traits in chickpea germplasm suggest

large genetic variation for contents of β-carotene (0.4-0.1

µg per g seed weight), iron (35-150 ppm) and zinc (25-50

ppm). Thus, opportunities exist for developing varieties with

enhanced contents of β-carotene, iron and zinc.Raffinose family

of oligosaccharides (RFOs), responsible for causing flatulence

uponchickpea consumption is an anti-nutritional factor

associated with chickpea. A recent study indicates range of RFOs

from 1.58 to 5.83 mmol/100 g seed in chickpea germplasm. The

low RFO lines already identified can be used for development of

low RFO containing chickpea varieties.

2. Pigeonpea

Pigeonpea is an important grain legume mostly being

cultivated in Africa, Asia and Americas. The global chickpea

area, production and yield (in 2013) was ~6.22 mha, ~4.74 MT

and 762.4 kg ha-1respectively (FAOSTAT 2015). During 2013,

~83.09% of global pigeonpea production and ~85.50% of area

was in Asia, 14.34% and 12.19% in Africa, 2.57% and 2.31%

in Americas (FAOSTAT 2015). The major pigeonpea producing

countries include India (63.74% of global production), Myanmar

(18.98%), Malawi (6.07%), Tanzania (4.42%) and Uganda 1.98%).

In India pigeonpea was cultivated on 4.65 mha with a total

production of 3.02 MT and yield of 650.0 kg ha-1during 2013.

It is grown as sole crop or intercrop with urdbean, mungbean,

castor, sorghum, soybean, cotton, maize and groundnut in

different states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh,

Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Rajasthan

Odisha, Punjab and Haryana.

Pigeonpea is mostly consumed as dry split dhal besides several

other uses of various parts of pigeonpea plant. It is an excellent

source of protein (20-22%), supplementing energy rich cereal

diets in a mainly vegetarian population. Pigeonpea is a multi-

purpose crop that fits very well in the context of sustainable

agriculture. In addition to food, it can be used as fodder, feed,

fuel, functional utility (for making baskets, huts, fences, etc.),

fertilizer (fixes atmospheric nitrogen and releases phosphorus),

forest use (re-forestation, lac production), and even for

pharmaceutical purposes. However, the current production

of pigeonpea in India cannot meet the domestic demand

leading to a decrease in per capita availability of pigeonpea

from 70 gm to 35 gm. Despite the fact that a large number of

high yielding varieties and have been released, productivity

in the crop remains stagnant around 700 kg ha-1as compared

to its potential yield (2500-3000 kg ha-1). This gap may be

attributed to several biotic and abiotic factors. Since it is mainly

a rainfed crop, unfavorable rainfall (delayed, erratic, improper

distribution) leads to terminal drought or heavy down pour. Non

adoption of improved management practices and lack of proper

research and commercial perspective for the crop influence the

low productivity to a greater extent.

2.1 Strategies to enhance production and productivity

Pigeonpea like most other grain legume crops has lost genetic

variability during the process of its domestication. Most present

day plant breeding efforts in developing high yielding varieties

aim at defect elimination i.e., developing resistant varieties to

biotic (wilt, SMD, Phytophthora, and pod borer) and abiotic

(moisture, high or cold temperature) stresses. Systematic studies

to rebuild the plant type to improve the genetic yield potential

of pigeonpea are very limited. In view of above, the following

strategies are needed for genetic enhancement in the crop:


Development of varieties/hybrids tolerant to wilt, SMD, pod

borer and Phytophthora: The major constraints in pigeonpea

production are fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic disease (SMD);

and in recent times phytophthora blight is emerging as potential

threat (due to climate change) to pigeonpea production causing

huge yield losses. Considering the need, ICRISAT and its national

partners have developed several varieties and hybrids resistant

to fusarium wilt and SMD in medium duration, maturity group.

Several wilt, and SMD resistant genotypes have been identified

and these sources of resistance are used by national program

scientists as resistant donors in pigeonpea breeding program. In

the recent past efforts are intensified to develop resistant varieties

for both Fusarium and Phytophthora. Helicoverpa tolerance/

resistance was identified in wild relatives and pre-breeding is

underway transfer the resistant genes to cultivated lines.

Recent crop improvement efforts of ICRISAT and ICAR led to

development of stable cytoplasmic and genetic male sterile

system in pigeonpea; and hybrids have been developed for

different agro-climatic niches. Seed production technology is

also standardized for large scale production of commercial seed.

There is an immediate need for exploitation of hybrid vigor by

breeding heterotic hybrids for different zones in the country to

improve productivity and production.

Development of extra-short duration genotypes (< 120 days

maturity) to different cropping systems in north western

plain zone: Extra-short duration pigeonpea has a potential to

becultivated in new niches considering its photo- and thermo-

insensitivity. It can grow in diverse range of latitudes (35° N) and

altitudes (>1250 msl) like in Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Odisha and

Punjab. The adoption of short duration pigeonpea variety ICPL

88039 in the states of Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Odisha has

helped in improving the livelihoods of poor farmers living in the

harsh environment and undulated and hilly regions. In addition

to ICPL 88039, extra short duration pigeonpea varieties ICPL

85010 and ICPL 84031 varieties were also released earlier in

Himachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh allowing farmers to grow

pigeonpea in various cropping systems.

Development of genotypes (> 180days maturity) with frost

resistance for north eastern plain zone: In parts of Uttar

Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar traditionally long duration

varieties (>200 days) of pigeonpea are grown. These are highly

photoperiod-sensitive and take about 40 weeks to mature and

it exposes them to terminal drought stress at lower latitudes

and to frosts at higher latitudes. Almost every year the crop is

damaged by frost leading to lower yields and poor quality seeds.

There is need to identify sources of tolerance/ resistance for

this constraint and design appropriate breeding strategies to

develop suitable varieties.

Development of super-early genotypes (90-100days maturity)

for different cropping systems: Photo-and thermo-sensitivity of

pigeonpea had restricted its expansion to wider latitudes and

altitudes. Considering this, a breeding program was initiated at

ICRISAT in 2006 to develop super-early maturing (< 100 days)

pigeonpea lines. This resulted in very stable photo- and thermo-

insensitive lines in determinate (ICPL 20340, ICPL 20338, ICPL

11255) and non-determinate group (ICPL 20325, ICPL 20326,

ICPL 11301). These lines provide number of opportunities like

pigeonpea–wheat cropping system since pigeonpea matures

by 100 days provides time to prepare the land for the following

wheat crop which is not possible with traditional medium

duration varieties. It escapes drought, and pod borer attacks if

planted early in June and harvested before those stresses occur.

Introduction of super-early pigeonpea in rice-fallows not only

generates additional income but also improve soil health and

productivity.

Integrated Pest and Disease Management: Although

pigeonpea is grown on large area, yet the production per

unit is very low due to attack of pests and diseases at

vegetative growth to pod formation stage. It was observed

that the overall cost of cultivation decreased with the

increasing adoption of Integrated Pest Management, along

with promotion of improved disease resistant varieties of

pigeonpea, widely grown in the semi-arid tropics of the

Indian subcontinent and South-eastern Africa. Farmers often

cultivate pigeonpea as mixed and intercrop. The integrated

crop management technologies promoted helps other crops

grown simultaneously or in rotation. Similarly, technologies

dealing with avoidance of virus inoculum, vector control (for

sterility mosaic disease), management of pod borer, and

seed processing and storage practices are implemented in

farmer participatory approach which also helps in reducing

input cost of pigeonpea cultivation.

Pigeonpea, being a drought tolerant crop, is raised as a sole

crop or as an inter-crop with cotton, maize, castor, sorghum

or greengram. But achieving the higher and more stable yields

remains the prime and high priority objective. For pigeonpea

the major factors influencing adoption of new varieties are

the yield potential, resistance to pests and diseases and seed

availability. There are several constraints pertaining to seed

availability (quantity, quality, time and prices) which hinder

the adoption of improved varieties. The existing seed delivery

system of pigeonpea constrains the technology adoption.

Incorporation of preferred traits in the pigeonpea crop

improvement programs will foster adoption. There is, therefore,

no option but to concentrate on increasing the yield potential

of pigeonpea by evolving such varieties of pigeonpea that are

high yielding and resistant to drought conditions, pests and

diseases and are of short duration with bigger sized grains,

brighter yellow coloured dhal and higher recovery percentage

accompanied by less wastage. Incorporation of these preferred

traits would not only foster adoption at a faster rate but would

also increase their marketability.


3. Lentil

Lentil (Lens culinarisMedikus), or masoor, is one of the most

nutritious amongst cool season legumes, grown throughout

the northern and central India for grains, which are used as dal

(whole or dehulled) and in various other preparations. Lentil

seeds contain 25% protein, 0.7% fat, 2.1% mineral, 0.7% fibre

and 59% carbohydrate. It is rich in phosphorus, calcium, iron,

zinc and carotene. Due to presence of more protein, calcium

and phosphorus it is preferred fodder for animals compared to

wheat straw (Gupta etal. 2013). In India, red cotyledon lentil

seeds are more preferred over yellow and green cotyledons

seeds while in Canada, Syria and Turkey yellow or green

cotyledon seeds are preferred.

During the past few years, world production of lentil has

increased from 2.76 MT to 3.60 MT. In India, lentil was

cultivated on 1.42 m ha area in 2012-13 with a production of

1.13 MT (DoAC 2015). In the last two decades, the area under

this crop has increased by 28% and production by 24% with a

productivity increase of 6%. Lentil is mainly cultivated in Uttar

Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar

and West Bengal. It is generally grown as rainfed crop during

rabi season after rice, maize, pearl millet orkharif fallow. It

is also grown as intercrop with barley, linseed, mustard and

occasionally with autumn planted sugarcane. In north-eastern

parts of the country, lentil is also cultivated as sequentialcrop

after rice, where seeds of lentil are broadcast in the standing

crop of rice just before its harvest. Productivity of lentil is also

limited by several biotic stresses such as diseases and pests

and weeds (Gupta 2014; Kumar et al. 2013), hence breeding

strategies need to include development of varieties with

multiple resistances.

3.1 Strategies to enhance production and productivity

Lentil is mainly grown under harsh environmental conditions,

and realization of yield potential depends on the stored

moisture from the previous rainy season and rainfall during

crop growth. There is an urgent need to develop climate smart

varieties for rainfed conditions and suitable for late sown areas.

Some of the strategies to enhance production and yield of lentil

are enumerated below.

Germplasm enhancement and pre-breeding: The recent

approach on hybridization of diverse genotypes from different

agro-climatic zones of India and utilization of exotic lines in

hybridization has also helped in broadening the genetic base

and several good varieties have been developed both in small-

and large-seeded background. Wide hybridization involving

closely related species is yet to be explored for germplasm

enhancement. Systematic pre-breeding efforts are being made

through IIPR and ICARDA collaborations, and are likely to

result in identification of new sources of resistance/tolerance

to diseases, insect pests, nematodes and post emergence

herbicides. The power of genomic resources would enable

breeders to effectively go for the transfer of targeted genes for

resistance to different diseases and pests and incorporation of

traits being controlled by many genes (Chamarthi et al. 2011).

The recent efforts on decoding of lentil genome will definitely

help in development of more robust genomic resources for

practical breeding leading to varieties release.

Early maturing varieties for rice fallow areas: A substantial area

of lentil is sown under late sown condition in rice-fallowfields of

Indo-Gangetic plains. Early maturing varieties possessing high

biomass and tolerance to high temperature at reproductive

stage are required. Varieties should have resistance to

diseases like stemphylium blight, rust and wilt; tolerance to

low temperature at vegetative stage and high temperature at

reproductive stage, and terminal soil moisture stress. The rice

varieties should be early maturing and have less re-growth; and

lentil varieties should have herbicide tolerance.

Nutritionally dense Varieties for culinary and export purpose:

Accelerated productivity gains are required for enhancing total

production of protein, by enhanced yield and increasing seed

protein content. Systematic bio-fortification research has to be

given top priority to enhance availability of minerals like Fe and

Zn (Gupta et al. 2013). Ample scope exists for development of

extra-large seeded lentil varieties for so that farmers can get

more money from per unit area of cultivation. The extra-large

seed are already being utilized for preparation of snacks.

Restructuring existing plant type: There is need to reduce cost

of cultivation. Accordingly, need is being felt to understand

vegetative and reproductive components to develop the

physiologically efficient plant types so that more solar light

interception can be ensured to have proper partitioning of

photo-synthates. Lentil varieties amenable for mechanized

harvesting can provide a viable option to the farmers to reduce

cost of cultivation. Hence tall, erect, non-lodging and non-

shattering varieties will be suitable.

Climate smart varieties: Lentil production is limited by lack of

proper soil moisture and warm temperatures in major lentil

growing areas. Little progress has been made in development

of drought tolerant varieties ensuring increased water use

efficiency.Genotypic differences for waterlogging have been

reported in literature. Genotypes like, ILL 5845, ILL 6451, ILL

6788 and ILL 6793 possess relative tolerance to salinity. Recent

efforts have resulted in identification of heat tolerance in lentil.

There is need to develop phosphorus acquisition efficient

lentil varieties those can extract phosphorus even when soil

phosphorus status is low. Efforts needed to combine tolerance

against different stresses, so that lentil varieties resilient to

climate change can be developed.

There is need to have seed multiplication rolling plan to achieve

required seed replacement rate. Results of 6000 technology


demonstrations have indicated vast yield gaps which exist

between realizable and realized potential in terms of productivity

enhancement. Systematic transfer of available technologies have

potential to enhance lentil yield by at least 20-25%.

4. Mungbean (Green gram)

Green gram or mungbean (Vignaradiata L. Wilczek) is an

important short duration grain legume which can be grown

in varying environmental conditions, during all three crop

seasons viz., kharif, rabi and spring/summer in different

parts of the country, as sole or intercrop for grain and green

manure. The major portion is utilized in making dal, curries,

soup, sweets and snacks. The germinated seeds have high

nutritional value compared with asparagus or mushroom.

There is an increase in the thiamine, niacin and ascorbic acid

concentrationwith sprouting..Mungbeanhas easily digestible

protein. The mungbean seeds contain approximately 25-28%

protein, 1.0-1.5% oil, 3.5–4.5% fiber, 4.5–5.5% ash and 62–65%

carbohydrates on dry weight basis. The concentration of sulphur

containing amino acid methionine and cystine are low. Lysine

values are comparatively high, hence the protein of mungbean

is an excellent complement to rice in terms of balanced human

nutrition.Mungbean seeds also contain isoflavons(Narasinga

Rao, 2002), and isoflavons content of pulses has been reported

to increase after germination (Sharma 1981), and hence

consumption of germinated pulses is preferred by many people.

Mungbean is grown throughout Asia, Australia, West Indies,

South and North America, Tropical and subtropical Africa.

However, India alone accounts for 65% of the world acreage

and 54% of the world production. During 2012-13, 1.19 MT of

mungbean was produced from 2.71 m ha area distributed over

different seasons. Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra,

Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka,

Gujarat etc. are major mungbean producing states.Mungbean

is grown mostly during rainy season, however development of

short duration and disease resistant varieties opened doors for

its cultivation during spring/summer season (Chaturvedi and

Asthana 1999) in almost all parts of country and during rabi

season (rice fallows) in peninsular India.

4.1 Strategies for increasing production and productivity

Among various pulse crops grown in India, mungbean offers good

potential for bringing additional area and enhancing production

and productivity, as varieties with varying maturity groups exist

to meet the needs of different cropping systems. Recently, the

availability of draft genome sequence of mungbean has opened

doors for development of genomic resources for utilization in

crop breeding(Nadarajan and Chaturvedi 2010). The following

research strategies are being suggested to enhance production

and productivity of mungbean in India.

Germplasm enhancement and pre-breeding: Systematic

identification of donors possessing traits of economic

importance, quality traits, and resistant sources against biotic

and abiotic stresses is pre-requisite for any crop improvement

programs. Wild relatives of Vigna i.e., V. radiata var.sublobata

and V. mungo var. silvestris have resistance to MYMV and

bruchids. The gene introgression derivatives have potential for

yield contributing traits and disease resistance. These derivatives

facilitate further genetic enhancement in mungbean. During

recent past, wide hybridization has resulted in development of

several high yielding varieties of mungbean and these are being

grown by farmers in different parts of the country.

Climate resilient varieties: Mungbean is known to have good

tolerance to high temperature. Accordingly, its cultivation during

spring and hot summer of northern and north-eastern parts of

the country is now reality. Development of photo- and thermo-

insensitive varieties will help in developing variety for different

seasons and agro-ecologies, and for non-traditional regions and

seasons. This will also help in large scale seed production of high

yielding varieties as per demand.

Biotic stress resistance: Large numbers of viruses, fungal and

bacterial diseases are known to damage mungbean crop at

different stages of crop growth and during storage. Pyramiding

of genes for resistant to major insect pests (thrips, jassids and

pod borer) and diseases (yellow mosaic virus, anthracnose,

powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot, etc.) for which high

level of resistance is not available in cultivated germplasm,

and identification of donors from diverse germplasm is of

paramount importance. Pyramiding of useful genes to develop

multiple stress resistant varieties is needed through deployment

of molecular markers in breeding programs. Similarly,

incorporation of bruchids resistance will help in minimizing

post-harvest losses during storage.

Short duration varieties for crop diversification: Presentlyseveral

varieties maturing in 60-65 days are available for large scale

adoption. However, most of these do not have distinct vegetative

and reproductive phase so that these can fit well in narrow

windows of cereal- cereal cropping system. The indeterminate

nature of present day varieties do not allow single harvest, and

rains at physiological maturity lead to reversal of reproductive

to vegetative phase. The incorporation of seed dormancy or

pre-harvest sprouting will help in minimizing damage by rains

during crop maturity. There is further need to reduce maturity

duration at least by another 8-10 days to fit mungbean varieties

for sustainability of wheat-rice dominated cropping system.

Reduction in maturity duration will also reduce water requirement

to the crop ensuring more profit to summer mungbean growers.

Similarly additional area of 2.7 m ha under mungbeanis possible

in southern and coastal India during rabi season under rice-rice

cropping system. Inclusion of mungbean in between rice and

wheat and rice-rice cropping systems will provide for long term

sustainability and help in protecting the environment from the

risk associated with mono-cropping and high input agriculture.


Restructuring plant type: Most of the mungbean varieties are

largely photo- and thermo-sensitive, have indeterminate growth

habit, low harvest index and low grain yield. Mungbean has

to fit in gaps in high input cereal– cereal dominated cropping

systems, to remain a commercially competitive crop. There is

need to restructure existing plant types so that future varieties

with determinate growth habit, photo- and thermo-insensitivity,

early maturity, high harvest index and high yield (>2.0 tones

ha-1) and resistant to lodging can be released for large scale

cultivation. Good seedling vigour with a clear-cut distinction

between vegetative and reproductive phases will be essential

components of the restructured plant types.

Results of the front-line demonstrations have clearly indicated

the scope for enhancing yields at farmers’ fields following

systematic technology transfer particularly in spring/summer

season. Since the crop fits well in small window after harvest

of rabi crop (such as wheat and rabi maize) and kharif cereals

(such as rice and sorghum) in irrigated conditions, mungbean

cultivation will help in sustaining productivity of the cereal

based cropping systems in different parts of the country.

5. Urdbean(Black gram)

Urdbean[Vignamungo (L.) Hepper] or black gram is one of the

most important cultivated pulse crops of the ‘Vigna’ group. It

is cultivated since prehistoric period in India and considered

to be originated from Vignasilvestris. Archeological studies

have shown that urdbean was cultivated in the country as far

back as 2200 B.C. It is a short day photo-and thermos-sensitive

crop. However, completely photoperiod insensitive to highly

sensitivegenotypes are known.

Major portion of urdbeanis utilized in making dal, for curries,

soup, sweets and snacks. In South India, the most popular Idli

and dosa are prepared using mixed proportions of rice and

urdbean. The food values of urdbean lie in its high and easily

digestible protein. Urdbean seeds are known to contain high

protein (25-28%), oil (1.0 -1.5%), fibre (3.5 – 4.5%), ash (4.5 –

5.5%) and carbohydrates (62 – 65%) on dry weight basis. Amino

acid analysis indicates that as with most grain legume crops, the

concentrations of sulphur containing amino acid (methionine

and cystine) are small.

The area, production and productivity of urdbean has increased

from 1.87 m ha in 1971–72 to 3.11 m ha during 2012-13 with

production level of 1.90 MT. This increase in production has

been due to additional area brought under the crop as well as

productivity gains (from 0.5 to 1.3 t/ha). Summer cultivation in

northern India and winter cultivation in rice fallows in southern

and coastal areas of the country also added to additional

acreage. In India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra

Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Odisha, Bihar, Karnataka and

West Bengal are major urdbean producing states. Urdbean

is grown mostly during rainy season, however, development

of short duration and diseases (powdery mildew and yellow

mosaic virus) resistant varieties led its cultivation during spring/

summer season in almost all parts of country and during rabi

season (in rice fallows) in peninsular India. Since the crop is

highly photo-thermo-sensitive, due care is required during seed

supply.


Germplasm enhancement and pre-breeding: Narrow genetic

base of the present day cultivars as indicated by pedigree

analysis of released cultivars in urdbean indicate that a fewer

number of parents with high degree of relatedness were

repeatedly used in crossing program resulting in low yield gains

in new varieties. This clearly indicates the requirement for

diverse germplasm lines for development of biotic and abiotic

stresses resistant/tolerant varieties(Chaturvedi 2009). The wide

hybridization involving wildVigna species is needed to broaden

the genetic base so that vulnerability to diseases, insect pests

and abiotic stresses can be minimized.

Short-duration varieties for sustainability of cereal-based

cropping system: The expansion of cereal –cereal rotation poses

a serious threat to the sustainability of production system as

indicated by a decline in total factor productivity in high input

agriculture of Haryana, Punjab and western Uttar Pradesh(IIPR

Vision 2050). Being a short duration and nitrogen fixing crop,

urdbean fits well in multiple cropping systems and can provide

desired sustainability to cereal based cropping systems.

Considerable scope exists to bring additional area under urdbean

through inclusion of short duration urdbean varieties between

two cereal crops in many parts of the country where irrigation

facilities are available. There is further scope for increasing area,

hence the need to develop short duration and high yielding

varieties with better biomass for spring/summer or rabi seasons.

Varieties with multiple diseases resistance: Crop breeding has

contributed significantly in developing varieties with desired

traits including disease pest resistance. Varieties developed

in past with resistance to single stress may not be a viable

solution as new diseases and pests are emerging and incidence

of diseases and insect pests is often unpredictable. Therefore

varieties having resistance to more than one stress provide

greater insurance and stability of crop production. Combining

resistance to major diseases in desirable background will help in

consolidating the yield level and production.

Development of efficient plant type: The plant type of the

present day varieties of urdbean is largely photo- and thermo-

sensitive, indeterminate growth habit,with low harvest index

and poor grain yield. An efficient plant type would be photo-

thermo-insensitive, with determinate growth, early maturing,

high yielding (>2000 kg ha-1) with high harvest index. Good

seedling vigourwith a clear cut distinction between vegetative

and reproductive phages will be essential components. At the


same time, insulation of varieties against major diseases and

insect pests will be required (Gupta, 2014).

Developing herbicide tolerant varieties: Since urdbean is

known to have slow initial growth, weeds pose serious threat to

urdbean cultivation during kharif season and under rice-fallow

situations. Hence, there is need to incorporate high seedling

vigour and post emergence herbicide tolerance in urdbean

varieties. A systematic germplasm and wild relatives should

be screened to identify sources of herbicide tolerance and

introgress in adapted varieties.

Limited work has been done to enhance urdbean production

in India during last two decades. Systematic research led to

development of several high yielding varieties for cultivation

in coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh that helped in enhancing

production of urdbean in the 1990s. However, the productivity

gains could not be realized due to slow seed replacement rate

of improved varieties. There is urgent need to develop climate

smart varieties and matching crop production technologies.

6. Fieldpea (Dry pea)

Field pea (Pisumsativum L.) is one of the important rabi pulse

crops grown in India that serve as a source for food, feed and

vegetable. There are two distinct types of peas grown in India

viz., (i) vegetable type characterized by sweet grains when

green and become wrinkled on drying, and (ii) dry grain type

that generally has white and round seeds. Often pea flour is

mixed with chickpea flour to prepare varying types of snacks.

The cultivation of grain type is confined to northern and central

parts of the country, whereas vegetable types are also grown

in cooler parts of southern India. Recently, breeders have also

developed intermediate type, green and round seeded or dual

purpose varieties with high yield potential.

In India, fieldpea is grown on about 0.76 m ha areas with an

annual production of 0.84 MT showing productivity of >1.1 t/

ha during 2012-13. Crop is largely cultivated in Uttar Pradesh,

Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Haryana and Rajasthan.

Its cultivation is also confined to the rainfed areas and marginal

and sub-marginal lands with poor soil fertility, however, with the

development of input responsive dwarf type varieties farmers

often irrigate crop to achieve higher yields in central and

northern India. Usually tall type varieties without tendrils are

preferred for rainfed conditions.

Fieldpea grains are rich in protein (20%), essential amino acids

and minerals important those are important for human health.

Pea contains 4 mg pro-vitamin A, 300 mg vitamin C, 3 mg B1,

1.5 mg B2 and 1.2 mg pantothenic acid per 1000 g fresh seed

weight. Grains also contain 1.1% fat, 2.2% minerals, 4.5%

fibre and 56.5% carbohydrate. Green pea and the immature

pods of pea have high level of active lipotropic anti-sclerotic

substances--choline and inositol. Choline deficiency may lead

to the development and growth of malignant tumors. Grains

also contain anti-nutritional factors and consumption in large

quantity leads to flatulence.


Restructuring plant types for lodging resistance and

mechanical harvest: The traditional tall varieties tend to lodge

leading to yield penalty. A plant type with strong and thick

stem can keep plant standing and erect till maturity and will

help in increasing the yield potential. The ‘tendril’ trait needs

to be combined with high biomass so that plant populations

per unit area can be increased besides having varieties with

lodging resistance. The non-lodging types will also be suitable

for mechanical harvesting.

Dual purpose, short duration varieties: The demand for

animal feeds and fodder will increase in the years to come

and, therefore, a highly productive crop like field pea can

play an important role to meet out the demand. Accordingly,

development of dual purpose feed-forage varieties possessing

high biomass and early maturity would be priority for field

pea breeders. Thus, the future needs of pea breeding will be

develop dwarf, non-lodging and disease resistant varieties.

Early maturing varieties will allow cultivation of late sown

wheat (if harvested for green immature pods) or spring season

mungbean and urdbean. There is ample scope of bringing more

area under extra-early maturing field pea varieties in northern

India.Transfer of available technology can bridge the vast gaps

which exist between realizable and realized potential in terms of

productivity enhancement. However, paradigm shift is required

in policies to bring additional under this crop.

7. Use of Genomic resources and approaches in developing

improved varieties

Rapid advancements in development of genomic resources

have made it possible to use genomics-assisted breeding in

legumes improvement, especiallyfor resistance abiotic and

biotic stresses. Significant progress in developing legume

genomic resources has taken place in the last decade.

This has been made possible due to financial support and

coordinated efforts of several international (Bill & Melinda

Gates Foundation, CGIAR Research Programs, National Science

Foundation – USA, American Peanut Council, etc.) and national

(Indian Council for Agricultural Organization (ICAR), Department

of Biotechnology, Department of Science & Technology,

and Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India) level

organizations. This strong financial support and efficient team

work resulted in developing a huge cache of genomic resources

such as molecular markers, genetic and molecular maps, and

quantitative trait loci (QTL) for important agronomic characters,

and most importantly initiating the marker-assisted breeding.

Additionally, whole genome sequencing of some legume crops

has been completed (pigeonpea and chickpea) and sequencing

efforts are underway in others (ex. Groundnut, lentil, etc.). The


latest advances in the field of genomic resources are available

on web-based platforms like: (i) International Chickpea Genetics

and Genomics Consortium (http:// www.icrisat.org/gt-bt/

ICGGC/home.html) (ii) International Peanut Genome Initiative

(http:// www.peanutbioscience.com) and (iii) International

Initiative on Pigeonpea Genomics (http:// www.icrisat.org/gt-bt/

iipg/home.html).

7.1 Genomic Resources

Molecular makers:Among the different DNA-based marker

systems available, ‘microsatellites’ or ‘simple sequence repeats

[SSRs]’ are markers of choice, especially for plant breeding

applications. SSRs amplify the unique sequences flanking the

repeat units and polymorphism is detected by the differences in

number of repeat units amplified. Co-dominant inheritance and

multi-allelic nature of these markers makes them suitable for

genotyping and detection of allelic variants. Another advantage

with these markers is that SSRs developed for a particular

species can also be used in related species (cross species utility).

SSR development is largely based on size-selected DNA libraries,

mining of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) or bacterial artificial

chromosome (BAC)-end sequences (BESs). As per Varshney et

al (2013) about 3000-6000 SSR markers are available in three

legume crops (chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut).

‘Single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]’ are another class of

markers that indicate single nucleotide (A, T, C, or G) difference

in gene/genome between member species. In addition to their

higher abundance and amenability to high-throughput, SNPs

are the most common type of nucleotide variations either in

plants or humans. SNPs can be found either with in a gene

or outside. Although they may not be associated with any

character/trait, but they certainly act as marker for that trait. In

legumes SNPs have been identified using ‘Sanger ESTs’, allele-

specific sequencing of candidate genes, tentative orthologous

genes (TOGs) developed based sequence similarity and next

generation sequencing (NGS) technologies (454/FLX or Illumina/

Solexa). NGS has been utilized in identifying about 26, 082 and

12,141 potential SNPs in chickpea and pigeonpea respectively

(Hiremath et al 2011; Dubey et al 2011). Furthermore, 8486

SNPs were identified in groundnut using 454/FLX-sequencing

technology (Varshney et al 2013). Genome sequencing efforts

of mung bean has additionally yielded several thousands of

potential SNPs and SSRs. Appropriate SNP genotyping platforms

(Illumina GoldenGate Assay, Illumina GoldenGate SNP array,

VeraCode Assay, and KASPar assay) have been developed for

different legume crops.

‘Diversity array technology [DArT]’ is microarray-based

hybridization procedure that is used to detect presence versus

absence of a particular sequence or fragment in genomic

representations. It is mainly used in diversity studies, for

detecting genome introgressions from other species and

saturating linkage maps. Joint efforts of ICRISAT with DArT Pvt

Ltd, Australia were successful in developing DArT arrays with

15,360 features for different legume crops. Both SNPs and DArT

systems enables the researchers to analyse genomes without

prior knowledge of DNA sequence.

Transcriptome and genome sequencing: Prior to the availability

of low-cost next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies

for genome sequencing, Sanger sequencing technology

was used for transcriptome sequencing to access genes in

many legume crops. Utilizing transcriptome sequencing

technologies about 20162EST were identified in chickpea

and 9888 EST in pigeonpea (Varshney et al 2009; Raju et

al 2010). Several research groups have used transcriptome

sequencing techniques to identify several thousand additional

ESTs in different legumes. Furthermore, more than 250,000

Sanger ESTs are available for groundnut in the public domain

(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/gquery, as of 2012).

Though transcriptome sequencing contributed significantly,

genome sequencing is the ultimate approach to identify all

the possible genes in a crop species. Genome sequencing

helps in understanding the genome structure, identifies genes

and provides tools for gene mapping/isolation and molecular

breeding. Availability of low-cost NGS technologies has made

it feasible to sequence legume crops. Among the important

grain legumes, pigeonpea, chickpea, mung bean (Vignaradiata)

and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) genomes have been

sequenced and their draft genomes have been published. The

genome size of the sequenced legumes is as follows: (i) desi

chickpea – ~520 megabase (MB); kabuli chickpea – ~740 MB (ii)

pigeonpea - ~833MB with 48,680 genes (iii) mung bean – ~548

MB with about 22, 427 genes (iv) common bean – 587 MB with

27,197 protein-coding genes.

Genetic maps and QTLs: Development of genetic maps has

helped in identification of molecular markers specific for

several agronomically important characters. Both inter- and

intra-specific mapping populations have been developed

and these have been used to generate genetic maps in

different legume crops. In chickpea, several workers (Gujaria

et al 2011, Thudi et al 2011 and Choudhary et al 2011)

have utilized a mapping population developed from a cross

between ICC 4958 x PI 489777. Genetic maps integrated with

several thousand markers of different types (SSRs, DArT and

genic molecular markers [GMMs) have been developed using

this population. Additionally, Hiremath et al (2012) have

developed a genetic map including 625 ‘Chickpea KASpar

Assay Markers (CKAMs)’, 314 TOG-SNPs, and 389 published

marker loci. Furthermore, molecular markers associated

with several important traits have also been identified like

resistance to Fusarium wilt/rust, tolerance to salinity, seed

traits and grain yield in chickpea.

In case of pigeonpea, the development of genetic maps has

lagged behind compared to others due to lack of sufficient


number of DNA markers and less or limited genetic variability.

But, due to the development of low cost-NGS platforms

large scale SSR and SNP markers have been developed. The

availability of these markers facilitated the development of

several inter- [ICP 28 (C. cajan) x ICPW 94 (C. scarabaeoides)]

and intra-specific genetic maps (TTB 7 x ICP 7035; ICPB 2049

x ICPL 99050; and ICPA 2043 x ICPR 2671). This inter-specific

genetic map consists of 239 SSR markers covering a distance of

~930 cM. Additionally, this inter-specific mapping population

was used for developing DArT-based maternal- and paternal

specific genetic maps. Availability of genetic maps with

extensive phenotypic data has helped in identifying of QTLs/

markers for important traits like SMD and fertility restoration in

pigeonpea.

Several genetic maps saturated mostly with SSR markers have

been developed in groundnut and some of these are trait-

specific (drought tolerance related traits and foliar diseases).

These individual maps have been used in developing a

consensus map for drought traits and foliar diseases separately

with 293 and 225 SSR loci respectively. These consensus

maps coupled with other dense genetic maps with uniformly

distributed markers are very valuable resources for selection,

diversity analysis and to develop other genetic maps. These

efforts have resulted in identification of several epistatic QTLs

for drought tolerance related traits. Similarly, QTL analysis

based on phenotyping and genotyping data of two different

recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations has resulted in

identification of 28 QTLs for late leaf spot (LLS) and 13 QTLs for

rust. Further, a major QTL for rust (82.96 PV) and LLS (62.34 PV)

have been reported and their associated markers validated.

Additionally, QTLs for protein content, oil content, oleic and

linoleic acid, and tomato spotted wilt virus have also been

identified. These genomic resources complement the groundnut

breeding efforts significantly by increasing the efficiency and

reducing the time/labour.

A backcross population (BC1)based-molecular map (Florida map)

was developed in common bean by Vallejos et al (1992). This

mapping population was also used to map a QTL for bacterial

blight resistance. This map consisted of 294 molecular markers

along with pigmentation gene ‘P’. An F2-population derived by

crossing parents of two different gene pools (‘Middle American’

and ‘Andean’) was used to develop ‘Davis map'. ‘Davis’ and ‘CIAT’

maps were utilized to localize anthracnose resistance genes and

for QTL analysis of tannin content respectively. The ‘CIAT’ map

has also mapped several SSR and SNP markers. Additionally,

several RILs have been developed in common bean. Further, a

saturated and integrated (physical and genetic) common bean

genetic map using BAC-derived microsatellite markers has been

developed by Córdoba et al (2010). Yuste-Lisbona et al (2014)

have identified QTLs for various key pod traits which could

provide opportunities for bean breeding by improving efficiency,

selection for improved pod traits.

Several dense molecular map have been developed using

different type of markers in few other legumes including

blackgram (Vignamungo; Gupta et al 2008), cowpea

(Vignaunguiculata; Ouedraogo et al 2002), faba bean (Viciafaba;

Roman et al 2002), adzuki bean (Vignaangularis; Han et al 2005)

and lentil (Lens culinaris; Tullu et al 2008). An interesting study

by Fedoruk et al (2013) reportedQTLs for seed diameter, and

plumpi-ness in lentil. Further, the authors developed a genetic

map (of 697cM) integrating ~560 markers in seven linkage

groups. QTLs identified in several legumes are presented in

Table 1.

Genomics-assisted breeding (GAB): Integrating genomic tools

with conventional breeding approaches for improvement of

trait of importance is often referred to as ‘GAB’. The term ‘GAB’

includes proteomics and transcriptomics along with genomics.

The development of efficient ‘NGS’ platforms and high-

throughput genotyping technologies has led to better prediction

of phenotype of progenies in breeding programs. Based on

these and other emerging technologies several breeding

approaches like ‘Marker-Assisted Backcrossing (MABC)’,

‘Marker-Assisted Recurrent Selection (MARS)’, ‘Genome-Wide

Selection/Genome Selection (GWS/GS)’, and ‘Advanced Back-

Cross QTL (AB-QTL)’ have been advocated (Varshney et al 2013).

These approaches are briefly described below with examples.

MABC involves the use of molecular markers in introgression

of a trait of importance from ‘donor’ parent into a ‘recurrent’

parent, usually an elite or leading variety/cultivar. This approach

leads to developing a cultivar/line with the whole genome of

recurrent parent but containing the major gene/QTL for the trait

of interest. The only limitation with this approach is that it can

used for transfer of limited number of loci including transgenes

from donor to recurrent parent. MABC can also be used to

develop near-isogenic lines or chromosome substitution lines

(CSSLs), which could be used in genetic analysis of QTLs. MABC

has already been used in developing an improved groundnut

variety ‘Tifguard High O/L’ containing DNA fragment carrying

root-knot nematode resistance. Additionally, several efforts

utilizing MABC have been initiated in groundnut (leaf rust QTL

introgression) and chickpea (Fusarium wilt, Ascochyta blight

resistance and drought tolerance).

MARSis routinely used in cross-pollinated crops, using markers

for selection, can increase its efficiency. First, the QTLs are

identified in the breeding population and thereafter lines

carrying superior alleles are crossed to introgress major alleles

in to one genetic background. These improved lines are further

evaluated phenotypically and best lines selected for multi-

location testing. The advantage with MARS is that it helps to

pyramid several minor and major QTLs, genetic gain is higher in

MARS compared to MABC. MARS is mostly employed by several

multinational corporations (maize and soybean) and few public

sector institutes (wheat, sorghum, rice and chickpea).


GS/GWS identifies better performing lines with higher breeding

value using genome-wide marker profile data. Since the

breeding values are estimated based on genome-wide marker

profile data they are referred to as genomic-estimated breeding

values (GEBVs). GS/GWS employs two types of populations: (i)

training population and (ii) candidate population. Phenotyping

and genotyping data generated are used for estimating GEBVs of

the lines. Similarly GEBVs for progenies of candidate population

are estimated and superior lines selected for making crosses. In

this way progenies can be selected based on higher GEBVs and

these can further be utilized in next breeding cycle or can be

field tested and advanced for multi-locations trials. Significant

positive attributes of GS/GWS include: (i) phenotyping

frequency is reduced leading to an overall decrease in duration

and costs (ii) there is no need for QTL mapping (iii) length

of selection cycle is reduced. But, availability of appropriate

statistical model to estimate GEBV with higher precision is

very critical. Several models including ‘Best Linear Unbiased

Prediction (BLUP)’, ‘Bayesian Methods (Bayes B)’, and ‘Weighed

Bayesian Shrinkage Regression (wBSR)’ are available to estimate

GEBVs. Though GS/GWS is not widely used in legumes presently

but, it has the potential to be applied in the future.

IV. Creatingthe PulsesRevolution in India

Pulsesare playing a vital role in ensuring the food and nutritional

security in India. However, there is a huge gap in supply and

demand of many of the pulse crops. There is a huge potential

for substantially enhancing production of pulses in India,

primarily by increasing productivity and to some extent

increasing area. A large gap exists between the average yields

received by farmers and the yields obtained in research stations

and well managed farmers’ fields. The adoption of high yielding

cultivars/hybrids and improved crop management practices

can increase the yield substantially. There is also a scope of

enhancing area in the rice-fallows of eastern India (and possibly

other rice-fallow areas, and also in the hilly areas where some

of the improved extra- short and short-duration varieties.

Some of the interventions that can bring a pulses revolution in

India are listed below:

a. Promoting cultivation of early maturing, heat tolerant

varieties for expanding rabi pulses (chickpea, lentil, field

pea) cultivation in rice-fallows of eastern India:Vast areas of

rice-fallows (about 10 million ha) available in eastern India

(Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and West Bengal) offer

opportunities for expanding area under rabi pulses. The earlier

experiments clearly demonstrated that chickpea, lentil and field

pea are suitable pulse crops for rice-fallows, provided suitable

varieties and technologies for crop establishment in rainfed

rice-fallows are available. The most important traits required

in the varieties for rice-fallows include early growth vigor,

early to extra-early maturity, and tolerance to reproductive

stage heat stress. For example, an early maturing and heat

tolerant chickpea variety JG 14 (ICCV 92944) released for late

sown conditions of Madhya is already becoming popular in

Eastern India. This variety and other heat tolerant varieties

can be promoted along with suitable sowing equipment and

technologies for ensuring better crop establishment and plant

stand. . Similarly, early maturing varieties of lentil like Pant L

6, HUL 57, DPL 62, Moitree etc. are getting popularity among

farmers of eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar as these varieties

are suitable for late sown and rice fallow conditions. Recently,

short duration field pea varieties viz., Vikas and Prakash are

being accepted by the framers of North East Hill states of India

as farmers are getting more price when they sale immature

pods in market.

b. Promoting early-maturing, drought and heat tolerant

and disease resistant varieties for central and southern

India:Drought and heat stresses during the reproductive phase

and with increasing severity towards the end of the crop season

are the major abiotic stresses of chickpea and other rabi pulses

as these crops are generally grown rainfed (68%) on residual soil

moisture and experiences progressively receding soil moisture

conditions and increasing atmospheric temperatures towards

end of the crop season. Early maturity is an important trait for

escaping these terminal stresses. In addition, we need cultivars

with enhanced tolerances to these stresses. For example, some

of the promising varieties of chickpea possessing these traits

include JG 11, JG 130, JAKI 9218, KAK 2 and Vihar. The adoption

of such varieties needs to be enhanced in central and southern

India. . Farmers of central India usually have preference for

large seeded lentil varieties. Considering the demand several

early maturing varieties having large seeds were released for

cultivation. Out of these varieties, DPL 62, JL 3, IPL 316 and

IPL 526 are getting popularity in Bundelkhand tracts of Uttar

Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Government of Karnataka has

also taken initiative to promote early maturing lentil varieties

in state. Similarly, early maturing fieldpea varieties like Adarsh,

DDR 23, Ambika, Vikas, Indra, Shikha and Prakash are very

popular and have helped in enhancing fieldpea productivity

(1100 kg ha-1) in India. During 2013, a early maturing green

seeded variety ‘IPFD 10-12’has been released for cultivation in

central India. This variety has potential to replace some of the

area of vegetable type pea. In southern India, fieldpea is a less

known crop but have vast potential during kharif season. For

example, many farmers in adjoining of Dharwad in Karantaka

have already started cultivation of pea during kharif season.

These varieties offer ample scope in central and southern India.

c. Extra-short and short-duration pigeonpea in high elevation

and rice-fallow cropping system:Early duration pigeonpea

varieties have a potential to grow in new niches considering

its photo and thermo insensitivity. It can be grown in diverse

range of latitudes (30° N) and altitudes (1250 msl) like in

Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Odisha and Punjab. For instance, ICPL

88039, a short duration (140-150 days) pigeonpea variety,

can enhance pigeonpea production in the states of Rajasthan,


Uttarakhand and Odisha. This variety provides an opportunity

to increase crop intensity by growing a post-rainy season crop

after harvesting pigeonpea. Since its cultivation does not require

any additional inputs and the grains have good market value, its

adoption by the farmers will be quick. Similarly,super-early lines

(ICPL 11300, ICPL 11285 and ICPL 20325) maturing in 90 days

have potential to be adaptive and productive in the rice-fallow

cropping system and rainfed hilly areas of India.

d. Expanding pigeonpea hybrid production: During the past 5

decades, pigeonpea productivity in India has remained almost

stagnant around 700 kg ha-1. In this context, the hybrids can

produce more biomass (more than 50%) and productivity

(more than 30-40%) than varieties. ICRISAT and its partners

have developed the hybrid technology in pigeonpea. In the

past 6 years, several hybrids (ICPH 2671, ICPH 2740, and ICPH

3762) have shown enhanced productivity and adaptability

in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana State,

Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Jharkhand. ICRISAT and partner

institutions (Department of Agriculture, State Agriculture

Universities, public and private organizations, and farmer

organizations) can expand commercial hybrids substantially.

e. Promotion of pulses in intercropping systems and non-

traditional areas:Pulse crops are grown as intercrops in many

parts of the country during all three crop seasons (rabi,

kharif and spring/summer) and forms integral part of rainfed

agriculture. Vast potential exists for promotion of pulse crops

in intercropping system as an intercrop. For example, chickpea/

lentil + autumn planted sugarcane in western Uttar Pradesh,

Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka;

mungbean + long/medium duration pigeonpea in Uttar

Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra

and Gujarat; chickpea/lentil + mustard in Rajasthan, southern

Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh; pigeonpea + soybean;

andpigeonpea + sorghum etc. (see Table below) offers not

only scope to enhanced pulses production but also to ensure

sustainable agricultural production base.

Table: Details of bringing additional area under pulses

Potential crop/cropping systems/Niche Specific area

1 Intercropping

Mungbean with ratooned Sugarcane during spring/

summer (irrigated)

Mungbeanwithcotton and millets (rainfed uplands)

Uttar Pradesh (excluding Bundelkhand parts),

Bihar, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil

Nadu

Pigeonpea with soybean, sorghum, cotton, millets and

groundnut (rainfed upland)

Andhra Pradesh, Malwa region of Madhya

Pradesh, Vidarbha of Maharashtra, North

Karnataka, Tamil Nadu

Chickpea as intercrop with barley, mustard, linseed and

safflower (rainfed)

South East Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar

Pradesh, Bihar, Vidharbha region of Maharashtra

Chickpea or lentil with autumn planted sugarcane Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar

2.Mungbean: sole crop in spring/summer season

(irrigated)

Western and Central Uttar Pradesh, Haryana,

Punjab, Bihar, West Bengal

3. Rice fallow areas

ChickpeaEastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa,

Chhattisgarh, West Bengal

Urdbean/

MungbeanAndhra Pradesh , Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Karnataka

LentilEastern U.P., Bihar, West Bengal, Assam,

Jharkhand

Lentil/fieldpea North-East

3. Urdbean in Kharif fallow of Bundelkhand Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh

4. Lentil in Diara lands Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

5. Pigeonpea in foot hills of Terrain sloping lands Uttarakhand, North Bihar


f. Knowledge empowerment of farmers and making seeds

and other inputs available to farmers:There has been slow

adoption of improved cultivars and production technologies

by farmers. The major reasons include unawareness of

farmers about improved cultivars and technologies or

unavailability of seeds and other required inputs. Concerted

efforts on training and other awareness activities for farmers,

strengthening formal and informal seed systems and

increasing access to other inputs are needed for enhancing

adoption of improved cultivars and technologies. Considering

the huge requirement of quality seed of improved varieties,

and limited interest of private players in the pulses seed

sector, there is need to encourage ‘Seed Village’ concept

through involvement of farmers in quality seed production.

We will also need to develop good linkages between the

formal and informal seed system so that the entire seed

system chain can be strengthened. It is also a known fact

that many tribal and poor farmers of Jharkhand, Chattisgarh,

Assam and North East Hill region usually consume or sell

green immature pods of chickpea and field pea, therefore

proper training and awareness among farmers need to be

created for production of quality seeds, and policy support

from government is inevitable.

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Production and productivity of pulses: Indian perspectives

S.K. Datta, B.B. Singh, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Asst. Director General ICAR, New Delhi

The grain legumes are of

high value and low input

requiring crops and play vital

role in crop diversification.

The pulse crops occupy a

unique position in Indian

agriculture by virtue of their

higher protein content (20 to

25%) than cereals and their

capacity to fix atmospheric

nitrogen. In the developed

countries, grain legumes are

important indirect source of protein being animal feeds of good

biological value. However, for many developing countries pulses

constitute the cheap and readily available source of dietary

protein.

In India more than a dozen pulse crops are grown, which are

integral part of cropping system and are of great significance

in sustainability of largely cereal based agriculture. These are

grown in pure culture as well as in mixed culture not only with

cereals but with oilseeds and other crops. Pulses are important

for the nutritional security of the cereal based vegetarian diet

of large population. Dry seed (whole or split) are consumed as

dahl or used as flour (besan) for various food preparations. The

stalks both green and dry are used as fodder. The seed coat and

broken cotyledons are used as animal feed.

Production trends

Globally pulse crops are grown in area of >76 m ha with a

production of about 68 m tonnes. In India, the total pulse

area is about 25 mha which produces about 18 m tonnes. The

average productivity at the global level is about 800 kg/ha and

of India is >750 kg/ha. In 2012-13 the total area, production and

average productivity of all pulse crops was 23.3 m ha, 18.1 m

tonnes and 789 kg/ha respectively. The area of pulse crops has

not increased much during the past 60-65 years except in 2010-

11 and 2011-12 it showed an increase of 1.5 to 2.0 m ha. The

total production of all the pulse crops has remained between 10

to 13 m tonnes. However, during the past 6 years a significant

increase in total production is observed.

Among the pulse crops, chickpea, pigeonpea, mungbean, black

gram, lentil and field pea are considered as major pulse crops

as these are widely grown. However, the other pulse crops

including grass pea (lathyrus), moth bean, horse gram, rajmash,

rice bean and adzuki bean contributes to 2.8 mha area and

about 1.4 m tonnes of production. There average productivity in

2012-13 was 491 kg/ha.

In order to ensure self-sufficiency, the pulse requirement in the

country is projected at 27.5 mt by the year 2025.

Constraints in pulses production

Detoriating production base: Most of the cultivated areas

have started showing signs of stress with production fatigue

and deterioration of soil. An experimental result shows that

deficiency of micronutrients, especially sulphur and zinc is

widespread among pulse-growing regions. About 50% pulse

growing districts having Zn deficiency. These nutrients are

important for increasing pulse production in the country.

Appropriate measures are required for sustained pulse

production by maintaining soil health with diversification,

balanced fertilization and use of bio-fertilizers.

Resurgence to insect pest and disease: An array of diseases

(wilts, root rots, stem rots, downy mildews, powdery mildews,

leaf spots, blights, rusts, mosaics and stunted growth resulting

from attack by root knot nematodes) caused by fungi, bacteria,

viruses and nematodes adversely affect the yielding potential of

Swapan Kumar Datta


the pulse crops. However, some of

these diseases like Fusarium wilt

(FW) in chickpea and pigeonpea,

MYMV in mungbean and black

gram are damaging these crops

throughout the country. Similarly

the insect-pests like pod-borers

damage chickpea and pigeonpea in

the entire country.

Abiotic stresses: Pulse crops are

grown on marginal lands under rainfed agriculture, hence

are prone to abiotic stresses. The pulse crops are sensitive

to temperature stress especially at full bloom stage and

exposure to high temperature and moisture stresses which

are responsible to heavy yield reductions. Winter pulses; like

chickpea, lentil and fieldpea are often prone to two types

of drought i.e., intermittent and terminal. Pigeonpea is very

sensitive to water-logging at seedling stage in all maturity

groups (early, medium and late) and to low or high temperature

stress at reproductive stage in medium and late maturity

groups. High sensitivity to photoperiod and temperature is

another major bottleneck achieving the yield potential and

predicting desired harvest index in most of the legumes and

particularly in mungbean (Singh and Singh 2011)

The major economic constraints were: production under

rainfed situation, low yield and value productivity, higher

risk in pulses production, low income level from pulses

cultivation, low level of technology adoption, susceptibility

to pests and diseases and large price spreads in case of

pulses. In order to increase productivity of pulses it would

be essential to develop/evolve high yielding varieties, shift

the risk involved in adoption of new technology by covering

pulses under crop insurance scheme.

Research achievements

Selection of useful germplasm: Selection from germplasm

(indigenous and exotic) as well as from land races has played an

important role in the development of superior cultivars of pulse

crops. The improved lines were evaluated for yield, reaction to

diseases and the best pure line was released for cultivation. This

practice has been further improved after the establishment of All

India Coordinated Pulse Improvement Project (AICPIP) in 1966-67.

Deployment of useful genes for genetic enhancement:

Hybridization involving one adapted cultivar of the area/region

and the other parent is the donor for specific trait(s) of interest

like biotic or abiotic stress or quality and/or yield trait has been

used for developing superior varieties and phenotyping of pulse

crops (Basu et al. 2014).

AICPIP made access to genetic resources easy. Some of the

exotic lines/cultivars were selected by Indian breeders from

International Nurseries of chickpea and lentil provided by ICRISAT

and ICARDA and of mungbean provided by AVRDC. This has

helped in the development of new cultivars with improved traits

like; seed size, early maturity and plant types etc (Singh, 1997).

Among the major pulse crops largest numbers of varieties from

recombination breeding have been developed in chickpea (134)

followed by mungbean (69), pigeon pea (62), black-gram (36),

field pea (34) and lentil (24).

Inter-specific hybridization: In India the wild species/relatives

have been used for the genetic enhancement of the cultivated

varieties of pulse crops. The wide crosses were made to increase

variation beyond parental limits and for developing CMS

system and to transfer gene(s) for biotic and abiotic stresses

and rarely have been used for the improvement of yield traits.

The usefulness of wild species/relatives has been now realized

(Singh et al. 2014; Pratap et al. 2014).

Mutation breeding:Pulse crops have been grown on marginal

lands which are also poor in the fertility. Therefore, it is possible

that the genes for higher productivity could have been lost due

to overriding role of natural selection for adaptation. Induced

mutations have been found useful in creating useful variability

for yield traits, plant type and resistance to various stresses.

So far 52 varieties have been developed through mutation

breeding in different pulse crops. Most of these have been

developed from already released and adapted varieties. In

general, gamma-irradiation has ben used and rarely chemical

mutagens have been used.

Transgenic development: Genetic engineering is one of the

fastest adopted technologies, benefitting 18 million farmers

in 27 countries worldwide. Pulses suffer heavy losses due to

several abiotic and biotic stresses. Efforts have been made

to make chickpea and pigeonpea transgenics for Helicoverpa

resistance using cry1Aabc and cry1Ac or the recent work on

fusion cry genes driven by the pod specific promoter (Ganguly

et al 2014). Besides Helicoverpa resistance, drought tolerance in

chickpea and blackgram using DREB1A and nematode tolerance

in pea using RNAi techniques are underway at ICRISAT and JNU,

respectively. At present several Indian institutes/University/

SAU which include Assam Agricultural Univ, Univ of Calcutta,

IIPR, NRCPB, NBRI etc. are actively working for development of

transgenic pulses for different traits.

Genomics enabled improvement: Genomic resources help to

understand the genetics of traits of interest. It leads to identify

the markers linked to genes/QTL controlling a trait or a group of

traits of interest. Consequently, genetic manipulation of traits

can be done more precisely and effectively through marker

assisted back-cross breeding (MABC); marker assisted recurrent

selection (MARS) and advanced backcross (AB) breeding (Dutta

et al. 2011). Most recently, draft genome sequence has been

B B Singh


made available in pigeonpea (Singh et al. 2012; Varshney et al.

2009), chickpea (Varshney et al. 2013) and similar efforts are

currently underway in lentil.

NGS helped to accelerate linkage mapping, whole genome

association (WGA) studies (Varshney et al. 2009). Targeting

induced local lesions in genomes (TILLING) or deletion-TILLING

resources have been developed in several legume species and

are valuable resources for functional genomic in order to know

the function of gene(s).

Strategy for increasing pulses production: In order to achieve

self-sufficiency in pulses, the projected requirement by the

year 2025 is estimated at 27.5 Mt. To meet this requirement,

the productivity needs to be enhanced to 1000 kg/ha, and

an additional area of about 3-4 M ha has to be brought

under pulses besides reducing post-harvest losses (Ali and

Kumar 2005; ICAR Annual Report 2014). This requires a

proactive strategy from researchers, planners, policy-makers,

extension workers, market forces and farmers aiming not

only at boosting the productivity but also the reduction the

production costs.

Conclusion: Compared to cereals, yield breakthrough in pulses

has not been achieved, although breeding efforts in the past

were rewarding in terms of insulation of varieties against

major diseases and reducing crop duration which has helped

stabilizing the yield and promoting crop diversification and

intensification. For a major breakthrough in yield, there is

urgent need to broaden the genetic base by strengthening

prebreeding and developing core sets of germplasm; harnessing

hybrid vigour through development of CMS-based hybrids in

pigeonpea; mapping and tagging of genes/ QTLs and marker-

assisted selection for resistance to insect pests and diseases,

yield and grain quality; gene pyramiding for stable resistance;

development of transgenics in chickpea, pigeonpea for

problems hitherto unsolved through conventional means like

Helicoverpa pod borer and drought, and genomic research for

understanding the structure and function of genes. Highyielding

and input-responsive genes are yet to be searched and

transgressed in common varieties

.......................................................................................................

Reference

Ali M and Kumar S (2005). Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) research

in India: accomplishments and future strategies. Indian J. Agric.

Sci., 75 (3): 125-133.

Basu PS, Srivastava M, Singh P, Porwel, P, Kant, R and Singh J

(2014). High precision phenotyping under controlled versus

natural environments. In: Phenomics in Crop Plants: Trends

Options and Limitations (eds., J. Kumar, S. Kumar and A. Pratap).

Springer India (in press).

Dutta S, Kumawat G, Singh BP, Gupta DK, Singh S, Dogra

V (2011) Development of genic-SSR markers by deep

transcriptome sequencing in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.). BMC

Plant Biol 11:17

Ganguly M, Molla KA, Karmakar S, Datta K, Datta SK (2014)

Development of pod borer-resistant transgenic chickpea using a

pod-specific and a constitutive promoter-driven fused cry1Ab/

Ac gene. Theor. Appl. Genet. 127(12):2555-65. doi: 10.1007/

s00122-014-2397-5

Pratap A, Kumar J and Kumar S (2014) Morpho-physiological

evaluation of wild accessions of lentil. Legume Research 37:

11-18.

Singh DP and Singh BB (2011) Breeding for tolerance to abiotic

stress in mungbean. J. Food Leg., 24: 83-90.

Singh NK, Gupta DK, Jayaswal PK, Mahato AK, Dutta S (2012)

The first draft of the pigeon pea genome sequence. J. Plant

Biochemistry Biotechnology DOI 10.1007/s13562-011-0088-8

Singh M, Bisht IS, Kumar S, Dutta M, Bansal KC, Karale M, Sarker

A, Amri A, Kumar S and Datta SK (2014) Global Wild Annual

Lens Collection: A Potential Resource for Lentil Genetic Base

Broadening and Yield Enhancement. PLoS One. 2014; 9(9):

e107781, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107781

Varshney RK, Close TJ, Singh NK, Hoisington DA, Cook DR.

(2009). Orphan legume crops enter the genomics era! Current

Opinion Plant Biol, 12:1-9

Varshney RK et al (2013) Draft genome sequence of chickpea

(Cicer arietinum) provides a resource for trait improvement.

Nature Biotechnol doi:10.1038/nbt.2491

......................................................................................................

The author can be contacted at [email protected]



Pulses production and productivity in India

Purushottam and Deepak Singh, Senior Scientist and Scientist (SS), Indian Institute of Pulse Research

IntroductionPulses are important crops for farm production systems as they add nitrogen in the soil and provide food and nutritional security to large number of vegetarians and weaker sections of the society those cannot afford other sources of protein. The incredible development in pulses research and policy support during

the last few years led to increased production from 14 million to over 18 million tonnes in the country. In order to ensure self sufficiency, the pulses requirement in the country is projected at 50 million tonnes by the year 2050 which necessitates an annual growth rate of 4.2%.

Present statusPulses are grown on 24.7 million hectares of area with an annual production of 16.7 million tonnes (TE 2009-11). India accounts for 33% of the world area and 22% of the world production of pulses. About 90% of the global pigeonpea, 65% of chickpea and 37% of lentil area falls in India, corresponding to 93%, 68% and 32% of the global production, respectively and contributing 11% of the total intake of proteins in India. A study showed that presently, chickpea and pigeonpea is grown under 22 and 24 states and 1-2 Union Territories in India. The uradbean is cultivated in 20 states and mungbean in 19 states. The lentil, fieldpea, lathyrus farming is being done in 15, 18, 5 states respectively.

The analysis of 2012-13 shows that highest area (mha) was under chickpea (8.7) followed by such pigeonpea (3.81) and lowest was in pea (0.76) and other pulses as mothbean, horse gram and lathyrus. Similarly, production (mt) was highest in chickpea (8.83) followed by pigeonpea (3.02). The pea productivity (kg/ha) was maximum (1105 kg/ha) followed by chickpea (1014 kg/ha) whereas, mothbean and mungbean have lower productivity (Table 1).

The latest data (figure 1) showed that percent share of chickpea was higher (45%) followed by pigeonpea (15%), urdbean (9%), mungbean (7%) and other pulses 24% among total pulse production.

Table 1: Area, production and yield of major pulses in India

Crops2012-13 2011-12

Chickpea Pigeonpea Mungbean Urdbean Lentil Peas Lathyrus HorsegramPigeonpea Mungbean Urdbean Lentil Peas Lathyrus HorsegramPigeonpea Mungbean Urdbean Lentil Peas Lathyrus HorsegramPigeonpea Mungbean Urdbean Lentil Peas Lathyrus HorsegramPigeonpea Mungbean Urdbean Lentil Peas Lathyrus HorsegramPigeonpea Mungbean Urdbean Lentil Peas Lathyrus HorsegramPigeonpea Mungbean Urdbean Lentil Peas Lathyrus Horsegram Mothbean

Area (mha) 8.7 3.81 2.75 3.19 1.42 0.76 0.58 0.24 1.37Area (mha) 8.7 3.81 2.75 3.19 1.42 0.76 0.58 0.24 1.37Area (mha) 8.7 3.81 2.75 3.19 1.42 0.76 0.58 0.24 1.37Area (mha) 8.7 3.81 2.75 3.19 1.42 0.76 0.58 0.24 1.37Area (mha) 8.7 3.81 2.75 3.19 1.42 0.76 0.58 0.24 1.37Area (mha) 8.7 3.81 2.75 3.19 1.42 0.76 0.58 0.24 1.37Area (mha) 8.7 3.81 2.75 3.19 1.42 0.76 0.58 0.24 1.37Area (mha) 8.7 3.81 2.75 3.19 1.42 0.76 0.58 0.24 1.37Area (mha) 8.7 3.81 2.75 3.19 1.42 0.76 0.58 0.24 1.37Area (mha) 8.7 3.81 2.75 3.19 1.42 0.76 0.58 0.24 1.37

Prod (mt) 8.83 3.02 1.19 1.9 1.13 0.84 0.43 0.1 0.47Prod (mt) 8.83 3.02 1.19 1.9 1.13 0.84 0.43 0.1 0.47Prod (mt) 8.83 3.02 1.19 1.9 1.13 0.84 0.43 0.1 0.47Prod (mt) 8.83 3.02 1.19 1.9 1.13 0.84 0.43 0.1 0.47Prod (mt) 8.83 3.02 1.19 1.9 1.13 0.84 0.43 0.1 0.47Prod (mt) 8.83 3.02 1.19 1.9 1.13 0.84 0.43 0.1 0.47Prod (mt) 8.83 3.02 1.19 1.9 1.13 0.84 0.43 0.1 0.47Prod (mt) 8.83 3.02 1.19 1.9 1.13 0.84 0.43 0.1 0.47Prod (mt) 8.83 3.02 1.19 1.9 1.13 0.84 0.43 0.1 0.47Prod (mt) 8.83 3.02 1.19 1.9 1.13 0.84 0.43 0.1 0.47

Yield (kg/ha) 1014 792 432 596 797 1105 742 485 346Yield (kg/ha) 1014 792 432 596 797 1105 742 485 346Yield (kg/ha) 1014 792 432 596 797 1105 742 485 346Yield (kg/ha) 1014 792 432 596 797 1105 742 485 346Yield (kg/ha) 1014 792 432 596 797 1105 742 485 346Yield (kg/ha) 1014 792 432 596 797 1105 742 485 346Yield (kg/ha) 1014 792 432 596 797 1105 742 485 346Yield (kg/ha) 1014 792 432 596 797 1105 742 485 346Yield (kg/ha) 1014 792 432 596 797 1105 742 485 346Yield (kg/ha) 1014 792 432 596 797 1105 742 485 346

(Further, the area under chickpea is lower this year (2014-15) by

14.8 lakh hectares from last year’s may be due to low minimum

support price or more production in previous year etc.) Also, the

rains in northern India in last week of February 2015 will reduce

fieldpea, lentil and chickpea production.

Figure.1 : Perecent share of major pulses in India

Pulses scenario in different states

Presently the total pulse production is around 18.45 million

tones covering area of about 24-25 million hectare (majority

of area is under rainfed condition). The major pulse producing

states (figure) are Madhya Pradesh (27%), Uttar Pradesh

(13%), Maharashtra (13%), Rajasthan (11%), Andhra Pradesh

(9%) followed by Karnataka (7%) which together share about

80% of total pulse production and the remaining 20 percent is

contributed by Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Orissa, Tamil Nadu,

West Bengal and Jharkhand.

The analysis of 2012-13 data showed (Table 2) the average

yield, production and area of different states was 786.8 kg/ha,

13.2 lakh ton and 16.8 lakh ha, respectively. Further, the major

pulse producing states were classified on the basis of more and

less than the average area, production and productivity. It was

found that the three states (Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and

Andhra Pradesh) have better performance with other states as

there area, production and productivity was higher than the

average of yield, production and area simultaneously.

Purushottam


Figure.2 : Production of pulses in various states

Table 2: Classification of states on the basis average yield, production and area of pulses

Demand and supply scenario of pulses

Though India being the largest producer (around 25% of global

production), consumer (27%) and importer (around 14%) of

pulses, the yield of pulses in India is at 781 kg/ha which is quite

low compared to average requirement of 1 ton/ha to make

pulses production internationally competitive. India’s rank in

pulses productivity is 24, 9, 23, 104, 52th in chickpea, pigeon

pea, lentil, dry bean, field pea, respectively and 98th in total

pulses.

Even though pulses production increased by 3.45% per annum

during 2000-10, the subsequent increase in cost of production

and steep increase in prices of pulses due to supply constraints

has made unaffordable for the common man of India. The

growth rate for area, production and productivity has remained

very low (0.06%, 0.65% and 0.59%) as compared to cereals due

to which India has to import 3-4 million tonnes (mt) of pulses

every year to meet its domestic demand.

During the 1980s there was negative growth in area of total

pulses and growth in production and yield was 1.52 percent

and 1.61 percent respectively. During the period 2000-01 to

2011-12, the indices of area, production and yield of pulses

have grown up by 1.70 per cent, 3.47 per cent, and 1.91 per

cent respectively.

Average Yield

786.8 (kg/ha)

Average production

13.2 (Lac ton)

Average Area

16.8 (Lac ha)

More Less More Less More Less

Jharkhand

Uttar Pradesh

Bihar

Madhya Pradesh

West Bengal

Gujarat

Andhra Pradesh

Others

Maharashtra

Chhattisgarh

Rajasthan

Karnataka

Orissa

Tamil Nadu

Madhya Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh

Maharashtra

Rajasthan

Andhra Pradesh

Karnataka

Chhattisgarh

Gujarat

Jharkhand

Bihar

Others

Orissa

Tamil Nadu

West Bengal

Madhya Pradesh

Maharashtra

Rajasthan

Uttar Pradesh

Karnataka

Andhra Pradesh

Chhattisgarh

Orissa

Gujarat

Others

Tamil Nadu

Jharkhand

Bihar

West Bengal

Outcome of the XI Plan

The significant improvement in production and productivity

of total pulses has been observed in Jharkhand, Gujarat and

Andhra Pradesh. In chickpea, there was a positive growth in

area, production and productivity in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat

and Maharashtra. Production of pigeonpea was enhanced

by about 2.53 lakh tonnes in Karnataka, 1.26 lakh tonnes in

Gujarat and 1.13 lakh tonnes in Andhra Pradesh. Significant

area expansion of pigeonpea by 1.13 lakh ha was noticed

in Karnataka and 0.74 lakh ha in Andhra Pradesh. With the

development of short-duration varieties, there was expansion of

mungbean in summer season under rice-wheat system in north

India. There was a significant increase in area and production

of peas in Uttar Pradesh (1.17 lakh ha and 1.8 lakh tonnes).

Development and adoption of appropriate varieties led to

increase in area, production and yield of lentil in Jharkhand and

Rajasthan.

Research and development issues

To carry the projected targets of 50 million tonnes by the

year 2050 the major research and development issues were

identified for pulses are low genetic yield potential, poor and

unstable yield, huge post-harvest losses, inadequate adoption

of improved technologies and low profitability which need to

be tackled through integration of conventional approaches with

cutting adage technologies such as genomics, molecular marker

assisted breeding, transgenic, molecular approaches for stress

management, high input use efficiency, quality improvement,

resource conservation technologies, value addition and food

safety. Exploitation of heterosis and yield genes from wild

relatives have also been identified as promising avenues for

breaking yield plateaus.

According to Indian Institute of Pulses Research’s Vision

document, India’s population is expected to touch 1.68 billion

by 2030 and the pulse requirement for the year 2030 is

projected at 32 million tons with anticipated required annual

growth rate of 4.2%.


Early maturing chickpea

The releases of early maturing chickpea varieties has played

pivotal role in diversification of cereal based cropping systems

in Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP). Due to late onset of monsoon,

often it becomes difficult to sow kharif crops on time. In such

situation, ample scope exists for popularization of high yielding

and early maturing varieties of chickpea after harvest of rice and

other companion crops in different agro-ecological zones of the

country. The research advancement in elite chickpea breeding

lines will address the issues in late sown conditions of Northern

India.

Zone specific lentil varieties

Lentil is generally grown as rainfed crop during rabi season

after rice, maize, pearl millet or kharif fallow. In northern parts

of the country, lentil is also cultivated as paira crop with rice.

Lentil has a great promise in rice fallows of Assam, West Bengal,

Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Eastern UP and Jharkhand. The high yielding

varieties as small and large seeded those shown tolerance to

wilt have been developed. The present focus is to develop shot

duration; early vigour coupled with high biomass, rust and wilt

resistant varieties for NWPZ and NEPZ for sequential cropping

in rice–fallow. Further, to develop the large seeded and wilt

resistant lentil for rainfed areas of Central India.

Success of spring/summer pulses

The development of short duration, photo thermo insensitive

and disease resistant varieties has led to their cultivation as

a sole or intercrop during spring or summer season in North

India. The success of summer mungbean has been well

documented and appreciated at various levels under the 6000

pulses demonstrations progarmme. Further, summer mungbean

has become one of the success stories among farmers in

Indo-Gangetic plains of the country. The estimates of ACRIP

(MULLaRP) show that over 16 lakh ha area is available for

introducing summer mungbean in rice-wheat system of irrigated

plains. Summer mung is also becoming the candidate crop as

sole and relay in new delta area under rice fallows of southern

peninsula.

Further, there is vast potential for urdbean cultivation in rice

fallow situation of peninsular India. Thus need to accelerate

efforts for developing suitable varieties and appropriate

production and protection technologies to promote

mungbean and urdbean in new nitches. The recent initiative

for International Mungbean Network is a welcome step in

technological strength and material in the mungbean crop.

Factors determining reduction in pulses area in North India

Critical analysis of the north Indian environments revealed that

agro-ecosystem of this region is becoming fragile and posing

a potential threat for pulses cultivation. Some of the major

underlying reasons for deteriorating conditions are as follows.

Extensive rice-wheat cropping systems re-placing pulses.•

Farmers’ choice towards more remunerative crops. •

Over-use of groundwater enhancing salinity.•

Increased incidence of ascochyta blight aggravated with •

low temperature.

Excessive fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation deteriorated •

soil quality

Fast depletion of micronutrients (Zinc, Sulphur and Boron) •

Cereal based cropping system has little scope to break •

the disease cycle. Inadequate or deficient rainfall during

monsoon season

Asymmetric pattern of temperature increase i.e. night •

minimums is increasing more rapidly than day time

maximums.

High yielding long duration pulses varieties bred for •

northern conditions are no longer suitable under changing

scenario of climate change.

.......................................................................................................




Production of pulses in Asia: sustainability issues Subash Dasgupta, Senior Plant Production Officer, FAO Regional Office for

Asia and the Pacific, Thailand

Summary: The paper presents

a framework for enhancing

sustainability of production of

pulses in Asian farming systems

made up of three components. The

first component analyses the trend

of production, productivity and

cropped area under pulse crops in

Asia over the period 1990–2010.

While, on an average, production and area under pulse crops

in South Asia, (the sub-region holding the largest concentration

of pulse production in Asia), grew steadily over this period at

aggregate level, there were great variations across countries in

the sub-region. Growth in yield was, however, not consistent.

Growth of pulse production in South Asia was largely propelled

by increase in area and yield, albeit slowly, recorded in India.

In contrast, aggregate pulse production in Southeast Asia, grew

at a faster rate thanks to dramatic increase of production in

Myanmar due to increase in both area and productivity.

The second component examines the constraints of pulses

production in the backdrop of emerging issues – climate change,

shortages of labour, lack of mechanization – and analyses a

range of trade-offs to identify potential opportunities for pulse

crops to continue their roles in framers’ cropping systems and

farming systems.

The third component presents options for way forward

consisting of overhaul of the mindset of agricultural policy-

makers, boosting investment in pulse research and extension

services, bridging the existing yield gaps, development of

climate smart technologies and fostering value chain approach

in production and utilization of pulses.

Introduction

Pulses have unique nutritional profile rich inhigh quality protein.

Pulses contain 22–24 percent protein, which is almost twice

the content of protein in wheat and three times that in rice. In

addition, pulses are excellent source of essential aminoacids,

fatty acids, mineral and vitamins. They also contain several

anti-nutrients believed to play a role in energy regulation. Pulses

are also relatively low in energy density and a good source of

digestible protein. Their carbohydrates are slowly digested,

which allows some of the lowest glycemic index (GI) among

carbohydrate-containing foods.

In recent years, pulses have been cited for imparting specific

positive health potentiating responses, such as hypo-

cholesteremic response, mitigation of diabetes and colonic

cancer, and weight control. Enhanced dry bean utilization

focused on improved dietary health is an opportunity for the

people of both developing and developed countries.Pulses

provide significant nutritional and health benefits, and are

known to reduce several non-communicable diseases such as

colon cancer and cardio-vascular diseases.In most developing

countries, pulses play a fundamental role as a low-fat, high-fibre

source of protein, an essential component of traditional food

baskets.

Pulses are regular part of diet of millions of people consumed

by both vegetarian and non-vegetarian segments of population

in various form. Over 60 percent of total utilization of pulses is

for human consumption. But the importance of pulses in human

diets varies from region to region and country to country,

with a general trend of higher consumption in lower income

nations. The share of food use in total utilization of pulses in

the developing countries is over 75 percent, compared with 25

percent in the developed countries.

Pulses contribute about 10 percent of the daily protein intake

and 5 percent of energy intake and hence are of particular

importance for food security in low income countries, where the

major sources of proteins are non-animal products. In addition,

pulses also contain significant amount of other essential

nutrients like calcium, iron and lysine. Pulses are locally adapted

and can be grown by farmers for their own nutrition as well as

for sale, which is important to improve food security. They are

highly accepted crops which can keep well in storage.

Pulses also play an important role in improving soil health,

long-term fertility and sustainability of the cropping patterns.

They meet up to 80 percent of the irnitrogen requirement by

biological nitrogen fixation from air and leave behind substantial

amount of residual nitrogen and organic matter for subsequent

crops.

Inclusion of pulse crops in the cropping system improves the

organic carbon content of the soil. Pulses can be grown under a

wide range of soil and climatic conditions.They play important

roles in crop rotation, mixed and inter-cropping, maintaining

soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, release of soil-bound

phosphorous, and thus contribute significantly to sustainability

of the farming systems.

Pulses, such as dry peas, lupins and beans are also used as

feedstuff. Some 25 percent of the total use of pulses goes for


feeding animals, namely pigs and poultry. Complementing

animal feed with improved varieties of pulses has (shown to

significantly improve animal nutrition too), yielding better

livestock, which in turn supports food security.

Despite having superior nutritional quality over the cereals and

being well adapted under local conditions, the cropped area

under pulse crops and their productivity in this region have

been slowing down lessening food and nutrition security of

millions of smallholder and other farming communities. In many

countries these crops are still surviving in subsistence farming

thanks solely to the initiatives of poor farmers. There is a real

danger that if this trend continues, production of pulses may

become extinctin in future.

Trends in production, productivity and area under pulse

crops

South Asian countries account for the largest share of pulse

production in Asia and the Pacific region (Table1) with

maximumarea under pulses in India. Steady growth of pulse

production in India thanks largely to area expansion was the

engine of growth of aggregate pulse production in this sub-

region. In contrast, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka witnessed drastic

reduction in production of pulse crops. During the period

1990–2010, average production in South Asian countries

rose at 1.4 percent annually and productivity at 1.75 percent

annually.

Table 1: Pulse production, yield and areas in South Asian

countries

Country

Production

(million tonnes)Yield (t/ha)

Area harvested

(million ha)

1990 2000 2010 1990 2000 2010 1990 2000 2010

Afghanistan - 0.05 0.05 - 1.89 1.03 - 0.02 0.04

Bangladesh 0.51 0.50 0.23 0.69 0.76 0.93 0.74 0.66 0.24

India 12.93 13.38 17.11 0.56 0.56 0.65 23.10 23.90 26.17

Nepal 0.18 0.22 0.24 0.60 0.77 0.80 0.46 0.30 0.30

Pakistan 0.77 0.92 0.86 0.52 0.60 0.55 1.49 1.55 1.57

Sri Lanka 0.07 0.03 0.02 0.73 0.92 1.10 0.10 0.04 0.02

Average 14.46 15.10 18.51 0.62 0.92 0.84 25.59 26.47 28.34

In 2010, pulses were grown in 28.34 million ha compared with

25.59 million ha in 1990, recording just 0.55 percent annual

growth rate over the last two decades. South Asian countries

occupied 36 percent of the global pulse areas in 2010/2011,

contributing 30 percent of its production.

Table 2: Pulse production, yield and areas in Southeast Asian

countries

Country

Production

(million tonnes)Yield (t/ha)

Area harvested

(million ha)

1990 2000 2010 1990 2000 2010 1990 2000 2010

Cambodia 0.04 0.02 0.07 0.96 0.66 1.11 0.05 0.02 0.06

Indonesia 0.46 0.29 0.29 1.30 0.85 1.13 0.36 0.34 0.26

Lao PDR 0.03 0.02 0.02 2.23 1.25 1.11 0.02 0.01 0.02

Myanmar 0.42 1.66 4.39 0.70 0.71 1.17 0.61 2.34 3.78

Philippines 0.04 0.06 0.06 0.80 0.72 0.76 0.04 0.08 0.08

Thailand 0.46 0.28 0.17 0.74 0.84 0.92 0.63 0.34 0.18

Viet Nam 0.20 0.25 0.33 0.67 0.71 0.84 0.30 0.34 0.39

Average 1.65 2.58 5.33 1.06 0.82 1.01 2.01 3.47 4.77

The Southeast Asian countries were a distant second in terms

of production. In 2010, they produced 5.33 million tonnes of

pulses followed by East Asian countries producing 4.13 million

tonnes from 3.04 million ha lands. The major producer of pulse

crops in Southeast Asia is Myanmar. Myanmar also exports

pulses abroad. Table 3 shows the world scenario of production,

yield and areas under pulse crops.

Table 3: Production, yield and area under pulses by regions

and sub-regions, 2010

Sl No Region and sub-region

Production (million tonnes)

Yield (tonnes/

ha)

Area harvested

(million ha)

1

Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Russian Federation and Uzbekistan)

1.50 1.36 1.11

2

East Asia (China, DPR Korea, Mongolia, Republic of Korea)

4.13 1.60 3.04

3 Pacific Islands 0.009 0.71 0.013

4

Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Indonesia,LaoPDR, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Viet Nam)

5.34 1.12 4.79

5

South and Southwest Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka)

19.07 0.66 29.13


6

Developed countries (Australia, Japan, New Zealand)

2.02 1.12 1.81

7. Asia and the Pacific region 32.07 0.804 39.88

8. World 67.166 0.877 76.597

Source: FAO Statistical Yearbook 2014

Long standing problems associated with pulse production in

Asia

Since time immemorial, pulses were well integrated in Asian

farming systems as farmers could produce themwithout any

external inputs and using minimum family labourwith a belief

that these crops do not need any external inputs. Broadcasting

and harvesting were the only two activities that required manual

labour and the whole production system looked relatively simple

and within the family control. The otherreason that prompted

farmers to include pulses in their cropping patterns is to enhance

soil fertility and environmental conformity. But production of

pulses in Asia started suffering setbackswith the advent of green

revolution (GR) in the mid-1960s.

The traditional cropping patterns and cropping systems became

increasingly stressed due to the pressure to accommodate

modern varieties of rice and wheat and associated management

technologies that emphasized application of external inputs

and modification of crop growing environments to suit modern

varieties.As the cropping systems turned more cereal-intensive,

pulse crops were rapidly displaced from prime fertile landsto

make space for cereals and pushed to the marginal lands. This

resultedin decline of their productivity, land degradation and

deepening of environmental footprint.

During the era of GR, the entire research and extension systems

were geared towards increasing production of rice and wheat.

The single-minded focus on cereals resulted in neglect of pulses

and other food security crops by the research and extension

systems and government policy-makers. This realization dawned

in the beginning of the 1990s when yield growth of cereal crops

started decelerating and there werefew new options available

that scientists could bank on to avert this scenario. In addition,

the countries that adopted green revolution technologies

became deficit in other essential crops – pulses, oilseeds,

vegetables –and the goal of achieving self-sufficiency even in

cereal cropsseemed as elusive as ever.

Despite ongoing efforts, the situation is yet to improve at

desired level. The trend of commercialization of agricultural

production that became dominant since the 1990s was one

of the main obstacles to regaining the lost status of pulses

and other non-cereal crops in traditional farming systems.

Poor productivity of these crops due to non-availability of

high-yielding varieties and grossly inadequate extension

efforts in support of these crops contributed to erosion of

their competitiveness inbeing components of commercial/

intensive agriculture. This process isreinforcing conditions for

squeezing pulsesout of traditional faming systems and also from

commercial farming. If this trend continues unabated, it will

trigger serious problems in attaining food and nutrition security

of millions of poor people in this region.

Emerging issues

In addition to meager research and extension support,

poor public budgetary allocations and government policies,

marketing and pricing mechanisms,pulses production is beset

with following emerging problems which make their production

more vulnerable than before and extremely risky.

Climate change

Negativeeffects of climate change are more pronounced in

pulse crops than in any other agricultural crops. These crops

are vulnerable even to fluctuations of weather conditions, not

to speak of climate change. Changes in the rainfall patterns,

particularlylate onset of monsoon and rainfall at the beginning

of winter season make these crops difficult to grow as they

cannottolerate even short-term waterlogging. As a result,

theland vacatedin between two consecutive rice crops in

intensive rice cropping systems due to availability of short

duration varieties of riceis being occupied by potatoes, maize

and other crops which are more climate resilient than pulses.

Shortage of human labour

It is well known that due to relentless migration of labour to

cities fuelled by industrialization and urbanization, the rural

heartlands of tropical Asia are acutely suffering from shortages

of labour. This poses a serious challenge for agricultural

production to continue and sustain rural livelihoods. Although,

production of pulses requires far less labour than most other

crops, mostly at sowing, the demand of labour is high during

harvesting as pulses are harvested manually and mainly by

women. Additional problems arise during post-harvest handling.

Most of the women farmers nowadays have to give more time

to the activities related to cereal and other profitable crops

rather than pulses because most men are either migratingto

cities or abroad and are also involved in non-farm activities.

Lack of mechanization

Post-harvest handling of pulses is complicated and labour-

intensive. The situation can be improved if mechanization can

be introduced gradually in this sector. It will not only save labour

but also increase production and productivity of pulses. Labour

shortage at family level will be solved to a large extent giving

room to devote their time to more productive and profitable

areas.

Trade-off

There is a number of trade-offs that need to be examined in


the context of dwindling role of pulses crops in rapidly changing

cropping patterns/cropping systems of the farmers and the

emergence of commercial farming and intensive production

systems. The pertinent question to ask is whether these crops

are set to lose their places in both production systems.If yes,

what would be other options to enhance nutrition security of

million people living in the areas where these crops are grown

and widely adapted.

Carbohydrate versus nutrition

The trade-off here lies in striking a balance between

consumption of mostly carbohydrates as source of dietary

energy and essential nutrientsand diversification of diets by

including more nutritious foods like pulses. Although, such

factors as rapid urbanization, increase in per capita income and

a general awareness about diversification of food basket have

created favourable conditions for moving toward this goal, there

will not be steady improvement in the absence of public policy

directed at reduction of the share of carbohydrates in diets.

Commodity versus system productivity

In the globalized world under liberalized trade regimes,

agricultural crops are becoming more of a commodity. In these

complicated systems, pulses will hardly have comparative

advantages over some other crops,particularly high value crops.

The only way to sustain production of pulses is to find out ways

and means to fit them in the farming systems of smallholder

farmers.

Broad eco-systems versus local landscape

In many developing countries, modern varieties of pulse crops

are developed through natural selection or hybridization.

However, their adaptation at farmers’ levelis poor due to

a variety of reasons,some of which are discussed earlier.

These varieties are more suitable for broad eco-systems and

not suitable for local landscapes, besides being low-yielding

compared with other competitor crops. Existing breeding

programmes and systems adopted in many developing countries

are not appropriate to develop location-specific varieties. The

challenge here is to develop and adopt varieties they could suit

local landscapes.

Crop suitability versus ecological concern

The whole Asian region has been experiencing rapid changes

in the cropping patterns and cropping systems. The criteria to

select crops for cropping patterns and systems largely depend

on economic conditions of farmers, land suitability, availability

of technologies, social structures, prices, market and many

other factors. Moreover, crop choices also vary depending on

the production systems. At the subsistence level of farming,

food security, input costs and availability of family labour

receive priority, as opposed to commercial/intensive farming,

where comparative advantage and competitiveness of the

crops dominate selection priority. It is evident that ecological

concernsare not taken into account during crop selection which

is more prominent in the case of commercial farming. Pulse

crops are most adaptable to local landscapes than any other

crops due to their wide diversity within pulse crops and a long

history of cultivation under local conditions.

Yield gap versus nature gaps

The unending quest for ever higher yields may be justified to

produce more to meet rising demands for food, but this also

wrecks natural ecosystems undermining their capacity for

service provision in the long term that is vital for sustaining

both livelihoods and environment. The consequences will

be reflected in drastic reduction of future yields, diminishing

returns from investment in purchased inputs, and ultimately

irreversible ecological disasters. The challenge here is to search

for win–win situations that help enhance crop yields without

inflicting damages to natural ecosystems through promoting

sustainable crop production intensification systems.

Way forward

It is evident that a combination of factors – low productivity,

vulnerability to climate changes, competition from other

remunerative crops and the emergence of more productive

and profit-oriented production systems – have created a vicious

cycle for pulse crops that sent their production nose-diving

and threatening their meaningful existence in farming systems.

However, the challenge of untangling the future of pulse

production from this pessimistic scenario remains acute given

the need to develop inclusive and environmentally friendly

production systems.Such systems should emphasize not only

productivity but also maintenance of soil fertility, nutritional

status of the people, environmental sustainability and concern

of smallholder farmers.

Changes in the mindset of policy-makers

For any meaningful changes to occur and take root at national

levels, agricultural policy making must be anchored in changing

the mind set of policy-makers moulded over the years in the

frame of increasing production of cereal staples and thus

attaining food security. But time has arrived to consider food

security inseparably from nutrition security, which remains

dire for vast segments of both rural and urban populations.

This calls for publicly funded research and extension system in

the Asia-Pacific region to review priorities of research agenda

and allocation of research budgets that acknowledge the

overarching importance of boosting productivity of pulses and

addressing other constraints that stand in the way of improving

competitiveness of pulse crops and making them economically

attractive.

Research

Pulses are less researched crops both at national and

international levels than any other crops. It is evident from

dwindling share of pulse crops in the portfolios of donor-


supported research programmes. A renewed thrust should

be given to initiating a vibrant breeding programme to

develop varieties not only with high-yielding attributes but

also with characteristics that allow fitting them in existing

farming systems of the smallholder farmers. Such varieties

should also be very location-specific. Modern tools and

techniques of biotechnology should be used in developing

modern varieties with novel traits that would make them

climate smart. This would require more collaboration and

cooperation of national programmes with international

agencies and CGIARcentres.

Pulse germplasm

Collection, conservation and utilization of pulse germplasm

hardly received due attention from institutional plant

breeding for a long time. The emphasis on collection and

characterization of germplasm of cereal crops to underpin the

green revolution and orientation of scientific crop breeding

to meet this goal diverted the focus away from other crops,

including pulses. It is widely believed that this neglect resulted

in loss of many valuable pulse germplasm. The second wave

of erosion of pulse germplasm started at the beginning of

the 1990s when agricultural production systems moved from

subsistence to semi-intensive and intensive farming. What is

more dangerous is the third wave of losses due to changes

in the climate. Two specific issues that need urgent attention

are renewed emphasis on collection of pulse germplasm and

their characterization to identify climate smart germplasm.

At country level, topmost priority should be given to

increasing awareness on the importance and contribution of

pulse genetic resources to food and nutrition security and

challenges and opportunities in integrating genetic resources

into national breeding programmes.

Variety development

Enhanced utilization of pulse germplasm will remain central

to developing more productive and location-specific pulse

varieties, which is the most pressing need of the time. It

is a very weak point of research. Availability modern tools

and techniques of biotechnology open up new opportunity

to make break throughs in this area neglected so far. The

important point that should be borne in mind that high-

yielding varieties of pulses, whatever their yield potential,

would be of little practical use, if they are unsuitable for fitting

into farmers’ cropping patterns and crop rotation. Rainfed

lands will, therefore, remain the major source for the supply

of millets, pulses, and oilseeds to the growing population.

Cropping pattern development

In this region, farmers regardless of their categories practice

cropping patterns and crop rotation systems in their farming

systems and not mono-cropping. It is mainly because of

land scarcity and government policy of not keeping arable

lands fallow to ensure maximum utilization of lands so as to

produce enough to enhance food security both at national

and household levels. This demands that suitability of any new

crop variety for farmers should be judged not from its stand-

alone performance but rather its performance when grown

as a component of cropping patterns and crop rotations.

The determinants of cropping patterns are technological

development, availability of short duration variety of different

crops,options for reducing turnaround time facilitating

inclusion of additional crops in their cropping patterns. In

view of that for farmers productivity at systems levels is

far more important than at individual (variety) levels. It is a

researchable issue. Unfortunately less research has been done

so far at systems level. It is time to step up efforts on research

on cropping patterns and cropping systems to fit pulses in the

farming systems of smallholder farmers. Finally, by improving

the cropping patterns using pulses, farmers can improve their

yields and address soil degradation that poses long-term

threat to their food and nutrition security.

Research on multiple cropping

Pulses are most suitable crops for multiple cropping in the

form of inter-cropping, relay-cropping and mixed-cropping

because of their short duration and less requirement of

human labour and other inputs. As cropping patterns and

farming systems are dynamic because farmers keep them

changing based on their evolving circumstances, they should

have choices of multiple cropping that best suit their farming

systems. Research results show that through intercrop and

double crop systems, production of pulses can be increased

without unduly sacrificing the yields of cereals and other

crops of the pattern. In India, it was found that inclusion of

black gram and green gram in rice-based cropping system

increased the yield of succeeding crop of rice.

Extension services

Extension services, in general, are poor in most developing

countries and particularly lag behind when it comes to

meeting the specific requirements of smallholder farmers.

The reasons for poor services are more or less documented

but very few initiatives have been taken so far from the

government to improve the situation in public sector

extension services. At the same time, extension services in the

private sector are at the nascent stage of their development

and yet to take off the ground. However, private sector

extension service providers are likely to be reluctant to deal

with pulses as these crops are less remunerative.Smallholder

farmers are also less likely to be the client of private sector

extension services because of the profit-oriented nature of

such services. This leaves the poor and smallholder farmers

solely at the discretion of public extension services with

limited ability to reach them with their current institutional

capacity, infrastructures and knowledge base. In other words,

there is a long way to go to make public extension systems

capable of working for the poor.


Bridging yield gap

Despite the yield capacity of modern varieties of pulses in

developing countries is comparatively low; the existing yield

gaps are also significant. Efforts to minimize yield gap could

be an important viable strategy to increase productivity and

production of pulses. Non- monetary inputs, including improved

agronomic practices, such as timely availability of all inputs and

their application in the fields, timely sowing, regular mechanical

weeding, timely harvesting and post-harvest handling also could

help increase pulse production.

It may be mentioned that in France farmers harvest more than

3.8 tonnes/ha pulse yield indicating considerable untapped

potential in harnessing gains in productivity. Pulse productivity

in Asian countries is lower than the world average.

Climate smart technology

Although, high-yielding varieties of pulses will continue to play

key role in moving further these crops in the farming systems,

developing management technologies is also equally important.

It will not only assist in achieving higher yield but also allow

adjusting to changing crop growing environments likely to be

increasingly unfavourable due to adverse impacts of climate

change. Crop management technologies that permit crops to

cope with and thrive under stressed environmental conditions

by nature should be location-specific by drawing on supporting

elements arising from local ecosystems and landscapes.

Value chain approach

The value chain approach has emerged as a way of empowering

smallholder farmers by linking them with markets and other

upstream post-production activities that boost their overall

income and strengthen rural economy. This requires a closer

look at the processes and operations that start from on-farm

production of primary commodities and span post-harvest

handling, processing, packaging, transportation and marketing.

At each stage of this chain, there is opportunity for adding value

to the primary product and thus benefit smallholder farmersby

fostering horizontal and vertical linkages that integrate them in

the value chain.

The focus on product quality and end-use characteristics within

a value chain perspective will also create preconditions for

commercialization thus improving competitiveness of pulse

crops.

.......................................................................................................




Environment and pulsesPS Basu, Principal Scientist, Indian Institute of Pulses Research, India

Introduction

Grain legumes form an

important part of staple

diet especially in Asia

and sub-Saharan Africa.

The productivity and

adaptability of legumes

are seriously affected by

range of abiotic stresses

including heat, drought

and salinity. Pulses are

predominantly grown

under rainfed situation

and are often exposed

to harsh environment like drought, high temperature, frost,

cold, salinity and solar radiation. These situations are further

aggravated and more unfavourable abiotic constraints have

been recorded to be intensified due to climate change which

are unpredictable and often extreme situations prevails

in the pulse-growing environment. The rise in the global

temperature due to increasing concentration of CO2 is likely

to have an adverse impact on productivity of pulses which

is now becoming a serious concern. The anticipated rise

in temperature is also influencing the hydrological cycle,

consequently monsoon pattern of Indian-subcontinent has been

also predicted to be changed in future and particularly rainfed

pulses are likely to be worst affected. The benefits of high CO2

in the atmosphere are not yet evident or realized in terms of

enhanced photosynthesis or productivity in agricultural crops

because of the dominating negative effects of high temperature

on plant metabolism. The climate change has both direct and

indirect effect on crop plants. Among direct effects, the CO2

and temperature are the major climatic variables affecting the

productivity of the crops. While, shifting of rainfall pattern,

hydrological cycles, depletion of soil organic content due to

enhanced soil microbial respiration and massive changes in

the pest and disease incidence are indirect effects of climate

change and are considered to be more severe impacts on

crop productivity associated with rise in the temperature. The

indirect effects of climate change causing erratic distribution of

rainfall, suboptimal precipitation, early or delayed monsoon,

shifting of south-west monsoon, temperature extremities;

all are combinedly becoming the major causes of recurrent

drought events in many agro climatic zones of India. According

to projection of IPCC (Intergovernmental Panels on Climate

Change) the CO2 concentrations of the atmosphere will be

increased by 735 ppm from the present level of 380 ppm

with a concomitant rise in temperature to 3-4 oC by 2080.

Unless and until, serious efforts to be made for preventing the

rise in the CO2 due to human activities, the increase in the

temperature and consequently aberrant climatic conditions

declining agricultural productivity at alarming rate and shortage

of country’s food grains production is inevitable. Therefore,

development of high yielding varieties with short maturity

period and identification of drought tolerant varieties with

inherent ability for thermotolerance have been suggested as

one of the important strategies to improve yield of pulses under

warm climate besides adoption of appropriate management

practices to mitigate different abiotic stresses.

Vulnerability of pulses to climate changes

Pulses in general being rainfed crops are subjected to multiple

stresses in the changing scenario of climate. The cool-seasoned

legumes like chickpea, lentil, fieldpea are more prone to expose

at high temperature exceeding 40 oC during reproductive phase.

The reproductive parts such as pollen germination, ovule

viability, anthesis, pod set and grain development are adversely

affected above 35 oC. Nitrogen fixation through symbiotic

association of rhizobium is virtually declined at temperature

exceeding beyond 35 oC. Therefore at extreme temperature

pulses are subjected to nitrogen starvation and consequently

photosynthesis is drastically declined. Since major proportion

of leaf soluble nitrogen constitute enzyme RuBP carboxylase

necessary for carbon fixation, any limitation of the formation of

this enzyme affects chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthesis.

Among winter pulses, fieldpea is highly sensitive to high

temperature followed by lentil and chickpea in respect to ability

to set pods > 35 oC. Pigeonpea is highly sensitive to temperature

extremities both below 7 oC and above 40 oC. Stunted growth,

scorching of apical meristem, forced maturity, induced

senescence, reduced or incomplete grain, pod abortion, empty

pods, hardening of seeds, reduced pollen germination etc are

typical visible symptoms observed in pulses subjected to high

temperatures. Genotypes with early phenology have advantages

over late flowering groups in terms of avoiding heat stress. The

moisture conserved in soil after withdrawal of monsoon under

rainfed quickly evaporates due to high dry weather condition

which necessitates application of pre-sowing irrigation in pulse

field. Abnormally high average night temperature during winter

months has been reported to be shortening the crop cycle and

forced maturity. The impact of climate adversities is relatively

less for the crops growing under assured irrigation due to high

evapotranspiration rate bringing down the canopy temperature

down below the damaging effect of high temperature. However,

pulses being the rain fed crops, there are no coping mechanisms

for rainfall variability. Therefore, reduction in yields as a result of


climate change are predicted to be more pronounced for rainfed

pulses being cultivated in areas frequently prone to drought.

When drought and high temperature interacts together, the

damaging effect of both the stresses is far more severe than

individual effect. Among pulses, greengram (mungbean) and

blackgram (uradbean) being summer and kharif crops grown

under irrigation are also frequently exposed to very high

temperature above 44 oC causing immature seed development.

In vigna groups, the thermal regimes do not change drastically

from vegetative to reproductive phase as the total crop duration

is very short. In contrast the winter pulses (rabi), there is a

distinct phase transition from one thermal regime to another

when these crops shift from short day vegetative to long day

reproductive stage, Therefore winter pulses such as chickpea,

lentil and fieldpea are more sensitive to abrupt changes in the

temperature during podding stage. The winter legumes under

rainfed in northern plains are altogether experiencing a different

kind of hidden stress that is atmospheric drought associated

with insufficient or lack of dew precipitation, as a result of high

winter night temperature. The moisture available in the air

termed as “Invisible water reservoir of nature” which can be

easily accessed by the crops provided night must be sufficiently

cooled to form dew that fulfils the water-requirement of the

pulse crops to a large extent. With changing scenario of climate,

the phenomenon of dew precipitation is gradually diminishing in

the northern rainfed regions, consequently crops are subjected

to more dry weather, with high evapotranspiration loss during

day time. The water deficits in the atmosphere increases as

a result of high temperature causing excessive loss of water

through transpiration and soil evaporation. The uppermost layer

soil tends to dry up quickly thus imposing drought surrounding

the microclimate of the crop.

Responses of different pulses to climate change

Long term field observations on pulses, analyzing the climatic

data across the country and crop behaviour when subjected

to different abiotic stresses under All india coordinated trials

conducted in different agro-climatic zones, indicated that

reproductive parts and grain filling process are extremely

sensitive to temperature extremities. When high temperature

is superimposed with drought, the productivity declined

drastically. The pigeonpea, in particular is highly sensitive to

temperature fluctuation, causing massive flower drop, forced

drying and bending of apical leaves subjected to cold stress

(<7 oC). In greengram, temperature exceeding beyond 42 oC

during summer, causes hardening of seeds due to incomplete

sink development. Except fieldpea, other winter pulses like

lentil and chickpea showed complete termination of vegetative

growth when winter temperature falls below 10 oC under field

condition. Often the daytime maximum temperature reaches

beyond 40 oC during reproductive phase of chickpea, lentil

and fieldpea resulting in complete failure of anthesis, pod

setting and hardening of developing seeds. Pollen germination,

receptivity of stigma, pollen load on stigma and ovule viability

start decreasing above 35 oC in most of the winter legumes. The

fieldpea is more sensitive to high temperature than chickpea

and lentil. The complete termination of pollen germination

does occur at temperature 38 oC. If high temperature prevails

even couple of days under field condition during reproductive

phase may cause drastic reduction in the productivity of winter

pulses. The optimum photosynthetic rates in most of the cool-

season legumes falls between 15-35 oC and photosynthesis

decreases beyond this range of temperature, however, beyond

40 oC, irreversible changes occur at membrane level causing

degradation of chlorophyll, induce senescence and crops are

subjected to forced maturity. In general, more than 60% carbon

and nitrogen remobilize to developing grains in chickpea and

lentil from pre-anthesis stored photosynthates in leaves and

stems. Due to high respiratory activity during summer months

and sudden increase in the temperature coinciding with

flowering time, pre-stored photosynthates are rapidly utilized

as substrates for respiration resulting in massive depletion of

carbon reserve in the vegetative parts. The grain sizes reduce

due to insufficient supply of carbon and nitrogen from source

leaves and stems. The nitrogen fixation in nodules also retards

at high night temperature. Among pulses, pigeonpea is highly

sensitive to water-logging.

Being rainfed crops, pulses are subjected to various types of

abiotic stresses particularly terminal drought and heat are major

among those. The recent trend of climate change is not only

responsible to increase temperature but also more severely

affecting the rainfall pattern and as a consequence rainfed

agriculture is facing recurrent drought and is at high risk. Due to

high and significant Genotype x Environment (GXE) interaction,

the grain yield of major pulses tend to destabilize across the

different environment. Sensitivity to photo thermo period is

the major factor responsible for high GXE interaction. Therefore

for climate resilient pulses, development of photothermo

insensitive genotypes is the primary requirement to address

the issues related to climate risk on pulses productivity.

Winter legumes are more threatened by observed climatic

changes as a result of sudden temperature increase during

reproductive phase from cooler vegetative stages of growth.

Detailed studies using chickpea as a model crop showed that

anthesis, pollen germination and grain development partially

or almost completely terminate when day time temperature

exceeded beyond 35 oC which has become a recurrent feature

in the entire northern plains. Grain legumes are categorized as

per their thermo tolerance in the order of Mungbean>pigeo

npea>Uradbeen>Chickpea>lentil>rajmash>fieldpea based on

physiological studies. The high yielding plant types of medium

to late chickpea genotypes developed in NWPZ and NEPZ zone

need to be restructured in view of the changing climates which

require early flowering, short duration vigorous root system

and large seed size with quick biomass accumulation which are

experimentally proven to be well-adapted to warmer climates.

A large number of pulses germplasm are being evaluated for


identifying high temperature and drought tolerance for crossing

programme besides attempting to develop crop models for

predicting productivity of pulses in long term.

Anticipated impact of climate change on pulses

The impact of climate change on pulses is quite indirect and

appears to be more serious. Present climate pattern may likely

to induce frequent drought or drought like situation. Rainfed

agriculture is expected to suffer severe water crisis due to

delayed monsoon, uneven distribution and above all complete

failure of rain as a result of climate change. Pulses being the

rain fed crops; there are no coping mechanisms for rainfall

variability. Therefore, reduction in yields as a result of climate

change are predicted to be more pronounced for rainfed pulses

being cultivated in areas frequently prone to drought. When

drought and high temperature interacts together, the damaging

effects of both the stresses are far more severe than individual

effect. For the past few decades average rainfall in rainfed

conditions is inadequate to sustain agricultural productivity

and particularly rainfed agriculture is pushing towards

desertification. India during the period 1951–2007 reveals an

increased propensity in the occurrence of “monsoon-breaks”

over the subcontinent. Annual rainfall, especially during winter

and monsoon months (June to July), has decreased in over 68%

of the country (Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune).

Effect of high temperatures on physiological traits/processes

High temperature stress affects the crop growth and

development by affecting wide range of physiological processes

and altering plant-water relationship. Several studies have

reported the reduction in growth and development of legumes

due to high temperature stress.

Cellular membrane stability has been shown to have reduced

under high temperature conditions in cowpea and groundnut;

affecting photosynthetic/mitochondrial activity and ability of

plasmalemma to retain water and other solutes. Exposure of

different legume crops (groundnut, chickpea, pigeonpea and

soybean) to 35 0C for 24 hrs reduced the membrane stability,

but the degree of decrease differed among the species.

Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis (maximum quantum yield

PSII-Fv/Fm) that indicates thylakoid stability/photochemical

efficiency reduces under heat stress and among the three

important grain legumes (groundnut, pigeonpea and

chickpea) groundnut seems to be least affected and chickpea

the most affected. In common bean, high temperatures can

affect nitrogen fixation and plasma membrane integrity. In

temperate legumes high heat stress affects structure and

function of nodules whereas, it affects nitrogen fixation

efficiency in tropical legumes. Even under moderate day/

night temperatures (30/20 0C; in Phaseolus vulgaris) rapid

degeneration of nodules occurs affecting the nitrogen fixing

efficiency of the plant.

The studies indicate that high temperatures affect root/

shoot growth and causes damage to fruits/pods. Further,

leaf senescence and abscission are increased under high

temperature conditions; all these adversely affect the grain

yield. In cowpea, under warmer temperatures leaf area index

increased and leaf death occurred sooner. Under heat stress

conditions in legumes the amount of root mass produced

is reduced, fewer lateral roots are observed and the roots

produced are thin and unbranched. High soil temperature

(38 0C) in groundnut reduces dry matter accumulation and

individual seed mass coupled with decreased flower production.

Effect of high temperatures on reproductive development

The impact of high temperature is severe on reproductive

processes when compared to the vegetative development

in many crops. Particularly, male reproductive development

is more prone to high temperature damage compared to

the female. A reduction in number of flowers borne and the

duration of flowering and pod filling was observed in chickpea

under high temperature conditions. The high temperatures

cause reduction in pod set by reducing pollen viability and

pollen production per flower. The pollen of heat tolerant

chickpea genotype (ICCV 92944) was viable at 35/200C (41%

fertile) and at 40/250C (13% fertile), whereas the pollen of

heat sensitive genotype (ICC 5912) was completely sterile at

35/200C with no in vitro germination and no germination on

the stigma. However, the stigma of the sensitive genotype

(ICC 5912) remained receptive at 35/20 0C and non-stressed

pollen (27/16 0C) germinated on it during reciprocal crossing.

These data indicate that pollen grains were more sensitive to

high temperature than the stigma in chickpea. Both anthers

and pollen showed more structural abnormalities under stress

such as changes in anther locule number, anther epidermis wall

thickening and pollen sterility, rather than function (e.g. in vivo

pollen tube growth). The critical temperature for pod set was ≥

370C in heat tolerant genotypes (ICC 1205 and ICC 15614) and ≥

330C for heat sensitive genotypes (ICC 4567 and ICC 10685).

In other legumes like mungbean high temperature conditions

increase flower shedding. High temperatures during flowering in

cowpea can cause pollen sterility and in dehiscence of anthers.

Heat stress affects the different reproductive processes (flower

initiation, flowering, pollen formation, fertilization and pod

set/development) in common bean. High night temperatures

particularly affect pod and seed set in legumes, including

common bean, lima bean and cowpea. In groundnut, heat stress

severely affects microsporogenesis, hypanthium elongation,

pollen development, anther dehiscence and pollination.

Temperatures >330C in groundnut affects pollen viability and

germination.

Progress made towards developing climate resilient pulses

The IIPR, Kanpur in collaboration with ICRISAT has already

assessed large chickpea and pigeonpea germplasm from

diverse sources for heat and drought tolerance. Screening


methodologies have been perfected for drought tolerance.

A number of drought tolerant chickpea genotypes have

been identified based upon root based traits and osmotic

adjustment. A wide genotypic variation in the heat tolerance

was observed in chickpea germplasm evaluated for the

reference set developed by ICRISAT. One of the heat tolerant

variety of chickpea JG 14 performing well under late sown

warmer climate has been adopted and already under farmer’s

field. Trials for assessing genotypes for heat tolerance in lentil

and fieldpea are already on the way. Phenotypic plasticity i.e.

adjusting flowering time depending upon the climatic condition

(day length and temperature) is one of the best strategies for

adaptation of pulses in diverse climates. This character needs to

be overexploited to develop many short duration varieties that

can avoid terminal drought and heat. The range of phenotypic

plasticity in chickpea is from 20 to 90 days and similarly it also

exists in other pulses.

Strategies to improve productivity of winter pulses in changing

scenario of climate

Except fieldpea, chickpea and lentil are more resilient and are

well-adapted to diverse climatic conditions from sub-tropical

to semi-temperate regions. Recent geographical shifting of

chickpea from north to south also indicate that chickpea may

able to adapt under warmer climates of south. The significant

increase in the area and productivity of chickpea in south is

primarily due to regionally adapted varieties available there.

Critical analysis showed that chickpea plant types for higher

yield developed in central and south India are different from

north. Most of the central and south zones varieties are

characterized by short duration, early flowering, vigorous root

system with early vigour, profuse nodulation and large leaf size

for accumulation of more photosynthates. While north Indian

chickpeas are medium or long duration type. Therefore, new

strategies are required to be made for restructering efficient

plant types for northern India taking into consideration of the

example of chickpea adaptation in warmer climates of India.

Major challenges for pulses under changing climate

Anticipated low productivity of pulses under growing

environment could be due to multiple factors as indicated

below.

i. Narrow adaptability

ii. Highly photo thermo sensitivity

iii. Temperature extremities, drought, salinity and water

logging are recurrent events in pulse growing agro

climatic zones of the country

iv. Growing environment largely confined to rainfed

resource poor condition

v. Poor harvest index and grain yield in existing released

varieties

vi. Lack of efficient plant types to cope with changing

climates

vii. Little or non-availability of germplasm with high water

and nutrient efficiency

viii. Poor response of major nutrients (nitrogen,

phosphorus and potassium)

ix. Indeterminate growth and asynchronous flowering.

x. Inefficient in carbon and nitrogen partitioning to

developing sink due to indeterminate growth habit

xi. Changing disease and pest incidence in respect to

climate change.

Crop specific problems

In addition to common generalized problems as mentioned

above, crop specific problem in respect to abiotic stress are

mentioned below

Crops Abiotic constraints under growing environment

Chickpea, lentil and fieldpea

Terminal heat and drought during reproductive stage

Pigeonpea Temperature extremities such as cold, frost and heat, drought and water-logging

Green gram and Black gram

Photothermo sensitivity, heat stress during grain filling

Rajmash Low temperature, frost

Based on the constraints analysis of pulses, issues, critical

research gaps and possible strategies to improve productivity

have been outlined below.

Issues Critical gaps Strategies High priority areas in pulses

More than 80% rainfed pulses face recurrent terminal drought causing substantial yield loss

Drought tolerant varieties in pulses are very few.Heat tolerant varieties are not yet available in pulses

Huge germplasm of pulses need to be evaluated at hot spots for their adaptive potentials under harsh environment.

Wide adaptation for yield stabilityDrought and heat tolerance: chickpea, lentil and pigeonpea

Rabi pulses often coincides with high temperature >430C affecting anthesis, grain filling/ pod settings

Geographical information of pulse growing areas and long term effect of climate change on productivity of pulses are not known

Development of Crop model in relation to climate change

Multiple abiotic stress tolerant varieties


High Genotype x Environment interaction, the grain yield of the pulses are not stable across the country

Plant types best adapted to hot spots are yet to be conceptualized

Screening of well adapted genotypes to different environments for higher tolerance against drought & heat

Resistant against water-logging and flower drop in pigeonpea Mitigation and moisture conservation techniques for pulses

Local adaptation in pulses is dominant. While wider adaptability in pulses is rare.

Effective Phenotyping for drought is not yet standardized

Breeding for higher tolerance and improved yield using widely adapted and stress tolerant lines

Climate change and its impact on pests of major pulse crops

The disease and

pest incidence

are likely to be

more severe due

to unprecedented

temperature rise

during crop season

Photoinsensitive varieties in

pulses are not adequately

identified which can give

Stable yield across the

environment

Crop models in relation to

climate change integrated with

GIS, remote sensing & long-term

meteorological data

Temperature

extremities (high

and low) causes

massive flower drop

in pigeonpea

Sprinkler/drip facilities for

life saving irrigation is not yet

used

Identification of genes for stress

tolerance and development of

chickpea transgenic for drought

tolerance

No irrigation facility

under growing

environment of

pulses

Information on effect of

climate change on major

pests , disease & new pests

& pathogen threats damaging

pulses are not known but

likely to have devastating

consequences

Study on major pests under

temperature extremities, elevated

CO2 and GHGs

Assessment and mitigation of

green house gas GHGs

emission from long-term pulse

based cropping systems

Under ICAR commissioned programme on National Initiative

on Climate resilient Agriculture (NICRA), a large number of

genotypes have been identified in different pulses based

upon multi location trials and controlled environments

showing tolerance to drought, high temperature, water-

logging, frost resistance in addition to photothermo

insensitivity. These are thermotolerant and photo insensitive

genotypes in black gram PGRU 95016, IPU 99-89, IPU

94-1, IPU 99-79, BGP- 247; thermo tolerant genotypes in

greengram e.g Samrat, IPM 02-3, IPM 02-10 and PM -5,

photothermo insensitive in vigna wild sps V. glabrescens (IC

251372), V. umbellata (IC251442), two extra early greengram

genotypes IPM 409-4 (INGR 11044) and IPM 205-7 (INGR

11043) have been identified which are useful for summer

cultivation and intercropping in crops like sugarcane that can

avoid terminal heat stress. Early harvesting of mungbean can

save 1-2 irrigations.

Some wild accessions of pigeonpea C. Scaraboeides showed

high tolerance to heat and combined tolerance to drought and

heat together. Promising heat tolerant pigeonpea genotypes

based on variable chlorophyll fluorescence have been identified

such as WRP-1, JKM-7, ICP-8700, JSA-59, BENNUR LOCAL, JKM-

189, MAL-13, ICP-995, JSA 59. Five pigeonpea lines, namely

NA1, IPAC 79, IPAC 42, IPAC 76 and LRG 30 showed relative

tolerance against water logging in the initial growth stage.

Genotypes ICP 929 B, VKS-14/19-2, IPAC 234, IPAC 210 and IPAC

114 showed better recovery after frost damage. Pigeonpea

genotypes such as VKS11/24-1, TGT-501, BSMR 853, BDN 708,

Bennur local, JKM 7, MAL 13, Bahar have been identified as

drought tolerant based upon osmotic adjustment.

Several drought tolerant lines of chickpea e.g ICC 4958, RSG

143-1, RSG 888, PG 5, K 850, PG 96006 , Katila and large

number of thermotolerant chickpea lines e.g. ICC 1205,

ICC 15614, ICC 8950 have been identified. A heat tolerant

variety JG 14 (ICCV 92944) has been released for late sown

condition. These lines are being heavily utilized as potential

donors for developing climate resilient pulses. Screening

germplasm for resistance against major abiotic stresses

(drought, high temperature, salinity and cold) is primary

strategies for resistant breeding programme essentially

requiring source of resistance from diverse origin for

crossing. In chickpea, large numbers of germplasm have been

identified for drought, cold, high temperature and salinity.

For developing multiple resistant varieties, parents having

different attributes of tolerance could be used for crossing

through conventional breeding.


Heat tolerance screening and identification and development

of heat tolerant varieties

Delayed sowing was proposed for heat tolerance screening in

chickpea and it has been found effective in identification of heat

tolerant germplasm. A large number of germplasm/breeding

lines have been screened for heat tolerance by delayed sowing

and synchronizing the reproductive phase of the crop with the

occurrence of higher temperatures (≥35°C). A screening of 180

genotypes at Patancheru during 2007/08 and 115 genotypes at

Patancheru and Kanpur (northern India) during 2008/09 revealed

large genotypic variation for heat tolerance in chickpea. The

genotypes that showed high heat tolerance and gave higher yields

than the best known heat tolerant line ICCV 92944 over two years

at Patancheru included ICCV 07104, ICCV 07105, ICCV 07110

and ICCV 07115. About 280 lines from the reference collection

of chickpea germplasm were screened for high temperature

tolerance at two locations in India (Patancheru and Kanpur)

during 2009/10.There were large variations for heat tolerance

index (HTI) phenology, yield and yield components at both the

locations. Several genotypes with high levels of heat tolerance

were identified. Experiments conducted at ICARDA and in

collaboration with its NARS partners have identified heat tolerant

faba bean, chickpea and lentil genotypes. Evaluation of kabuli

chickpea lines under delayed planting in field during 2009-10 has

resulted in identification of putative heat tolerant genotypes such

as S051708, S00998, S03308, S03525, S051702, S051412, S03302,

S02266, S051685, and S051703., with yield more than 2 t/ha.

Similarly, testing in Sudan with full irrigation identified FLIP87-59C,

which is also resistant to drought, as heat tolerant genotypes.

In chickpea, development of recombinant inbred lines (RILs)

is in progress at ICRISAT for mapping of quantitative loci (QTL)

controlling heat tolerance. The phenotypic and genotypic

data available on the reference set will be used for association

mapping.

In lentil, evaluation of germplasm under delayed planting

with and without irrigation at regular interval has resulted

in identification of putative tolerant genotypes for heat (ILL

3597, Sel # 33108, 33109, 33110 and 33113) and drought

(ILL1878, ILL 6002, ILL 759 and ILL 6465). In lentils, International

Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is

targeting genotypes with rapid ground cover, early phenology,

a prolonged flowering and podding period leading to increased

dry matter production, more pods, high harvest index, efficient

water use and large seeds to adapt to heat stress. Most of the

progress in breeding for terminal heat escape has been made in

development of short duration varieties such as Precoz, Idleb 3,

Bakaria, BARI M4, BARI M5 and BARI M6 without compromising

yield level.

As most of the winter pulses are quite recurrently experiencing

both terminal drought and heat stress under rainfed situation

of northern India coinciding with the reproductive stage,

therefore two pronged strategies are to be made to improve

the productivity under anticipated climate change. First

strategy is to improve reproductive stage tolerance through

selection and secondly, development of short duration varieties

which are able to escape terminal heat and drought through

early maturity. One of the heat tolerant variety of chickpea

is JG 14 performing well under late sown warmer climate is

already under farmer’s field for evaluation. Trials for assessing

genotypes for heat tolerance in lentil and fieldpea are already

on the way. Phenotypic plasticity i.e. adjusting flowering

time depending upon the climatic condition (day length and

temperature) is one of the best strategies for adaptation

of pulses in diverse climates. This character needs to be

overexploited to develop many short duration varieties that

can avoid terminal drought and heat. The range of phenotypic

plasticity in chickpea is from 20 to 90 days and similarly it also

exists in other pulses .The weather is most unpredictable,

extreme events of very high and low temperature, deviation

and erratic distribution of rainfall, flood and drought have

become most frequent and recurrent. Under this situation,

no single strategy is successful. There are multiple dimensions

of the climatic variables which appear sometimes solely or

superimposed each other. In the context of pulse productivity

under the present scenario, development of short duration

varieties, gene mining for tolerance to abiotic stresses,

restructuring of plant types for climatically vulnerable regions,

changing in the cropping pattern, efficient nutrient and water

management, seed bank for alternate legume crops, watershed

management, micro irrigation facilities for rainfed condition are

some of the better options to address climate change.

Concluding remarks

The screening of germplasm for heat and drought tolerance

across important grain legumes, indicates that sources of

heat tolerance are available in cultivated germplasm, which

can be used in the breeding programs for development of

tolerant varieties. Molecular markers will be soon available

for major heat tolerance QTL in some legumes and these will

further facilitate breeding for heat tolerance. Good agronomic

management including integrated nutrient and drought

practices are being developed to mitigate abiotic stress. The

cropping system need to be modified in order to include many

short duration pulses having tendency to escape terminal

heat and drought stress. Research efforts are on the way to

strengthened availability of potential donors for stress breeding

programme.

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Section -2

Pulses Processing Technology


Modern pulses milling technology

Juan Carlos Arriola, Technical Specialist , Milling Technology, Cigi (Canadian International Grains Institute)

The pulses production has been growing in a constant way

during the last 25 years, and Canada is one of the biggest

producers worldwide.

Approximately 25% of the Canadian production of pulses is

consumed locally, the rest is exported to different countries.

Even if the pulse production in Canada includes peas, lentils,

beans and chickpeas, around 65% of the total produced

corresponds to peas, followed by lentils with approximately 16%.

The main market for pulses is basically divided in three biggest

participants: Feed, Food and Ingredients.

The percentage of these markets might be different from

country to country, as an example, in Canada around 90% of the

peas used domestically are processed into feed, but in other

countries are used in the food market or in processed products

for human consumption.

The ingredients market processes pulses to get added value

ingredients like starch, fibre and protein that you can use after

in several applications for food, feed or industrial goods.

With the increasing concerns about nutrition, allergies and

healthy issues, we can see the consistent growth in the use of

pulses to improve protein levels in different foods and as an

important element for the development of gluten free products

like pasta, bread, etc.

Many of the final products where pulses are used, require

a milling process in order to reduce the particle size. The

equipment used in the process will depend mostly on the final

physical and functional properties of product you are trying to

achieve.

We are going to see the four most commonly applied milling

methods for pulses:

The Hammer mill:

The operation principle of this machine

is reducing the particle size of the

products by impacting them with metal

beaters called hammers. This hammers

are attached to a shaft rotating from

1000 – 7200 rpm. A perforated metal

sieve covers the rotor forming a milling

chamber where only the particles

going through the sieve perforation can go out, the size, shape,

thickness and speed of the rotor will define the final particle size

for the finished product.

Generally speaking, using higher rpm’s, smaller sieve

perforations, and thicker sieves, you can produce finer products.

The usual advantages of this milling method are:

Simple operation•

One step size reduction•

High yield•

Low investment cost•

The main disadvantages are the high power consumption,

and the lack of control of the particle size distribution in final

products.

Stone mill:

The stone mill is one of the oldest methods

to mill grains. There is information about

ancient cultures using stones to manually

mill grains using a handheld stone over a

bedrock.

The stone mill has evolved into a modern

machine in our days but still using the

same principle of size reduction, using the

shearing, compression, and abrasion forces

caused by stones, but in this case two grooved stone disks.

The product is fed in the center of the machine right into the

grinding gap between the two stones, there is usually a fixed

stone and a gyrating stone, the product is forced through the

grinding gap by the centrifugal force, the shearing effect and the

groove profile, going from the center to the outer side of the

stones while being milled.

The machine has a grinding gap adjustment, this system

moves the grinding surface of the stones closer or further

away, providing a bigger or smaller grinding gap depending

on how fine you need the granulation of the final products

to be.

Main advantages of stone milling:

Easy to operate•

Low maintenance•

Low cost compared with other milling systems•

One step size reduction•


The basic disadvantage in this milling process is the lack of

control of the particle size distribution in final products.

Pin Mill:

The pin mill is a machine with a milling

element formed by two disks with

perpendicular pins aligned in rows

attached to each disk. Usually one of the

disks is fixed, and the other one rotates

at speeds going from 2000 – 4000 rpm

in commercial size equipment and up to

20,000 rpms in laboratory equipment. The

reduction in particle size is achieved by the impact of the pins

with the product.

The product is fed axially to the center of the disks where the

impact of the pins, the centrifugal force and the shearing effect

between the fixed and the rotating pins, reduce the particle size

and conveys the product to the outside of the disks, where the

reduced material is collected with the frame of the machine and

is sent to the outlet.

It is possible to change the functional properties of the final

product, and the granulation, modifying the pin configuration,

the speed of rotation and the feed rate.

Main advantages of pin milling:

Possibility to produce finer particles•

Easy operation•

One step particle size reduction process•

On the negative side, it requires constant supervision because

the pins may wear down.

Roller mills:

Roller milling is the most used method

in the industry to produce cereal flours

all over the world.

Roller mills reduce the particle size of

the incoming material using a pair of

rolls with opposite rotation, pushing the

material trough a grinding gap between

them, with a differential speed between

rolls that can go commonly from

1:1.125 to 1:2.5. Depending on the

particle size and cleanliness of the incoming material, the rolls

should be corrugated or smooth.

Nowadays you can find on the market a limited amount of double

pair or even triple pair roller mills, designed to have a one-step

single machine particle size reduction process, but most of

the milling processes using roller mills are designed to have an

intermediate shifting between the different reduction steps.

This shifting process separates particles according to its size

allowing a more efficient adjustment in the grinding gapon the

following milling passages and at the same time allows the

production of different streams of flour, providing the possibility

to have final products with different qualities and protein levels

through the same milling process.

Being able to have final products with a controlled particle size

distribution through the shifting process, offers the flexibility

to deliver granular materials (like semolina) to be used in the

extrusion process for snacks or pasta processing.

Common advantages of roller milling:

Good control of the particle size distribution on final •

products through the shifting process.

It is possible to obtain several products with different •

properties at the same time using the streams from the

sifting process.

The disadvantages of this processing system are basically the

high initial investment, space requirements and the need of

trained personal to operate the machinery.

The pulses department of the Canadian International Grains

Institute under the management of MSc. Heather Maskus, made

studies about the effects of the different milling methods in the

final flours from different pulses, the following tables show the

results for Split Red Lentils and Yellow Peas.


We can conclude from all the information presented, that the

milling process to use will depend on the required properties of

the pulse flour or final product we are aiming to produce.

Often, milling plants use a combination of the milling process

presented and adjust their operation to achieve a final product

that meets their specifications or standards.

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Pulses processing scenario in IndiaKempa Reddy and Abhijeet Anand, Agri-Business Analysts,

Foretell Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Pulses are rich in proteins and are mainly consumed in dehusked

split form. The major steps in pulses milling comprises, removal

of the outer husk and splitting the grain into two equal halves.

De-husking makes pulses digestible (removal of anti-nutritional

components) and removes bitter taste. The important byproducts

of pulse milling process are husk, peel, germ, broken etc.

The taste, quality and recovery of processed pulses mainly

depend on the production region, variety of pulses cultivated

under irrigation or rain-fed condition and type of process.The

average recovery of dal varies from 75-80 percent depending on

the grades of pulses processed.

Most of the pulses processing units arelocated in production

regions mainly to minimize the transportation cost and easy

accessibility of the raw material. Most processing units are

running on traditional technology, which requires 3 to 4 days per

batch of pulses processing except in case of red gram it takes

4 to 6 days to process, instead of 2 days or so using the latest

technology.

While processing pulses, cleaning of raw material always remains

a major challenge for the processor, due to its tremendous

impact on the final quality of output. Cleaning through traditional

machineries requires passage of grains through a number of

sieves which is both labour and time intensive. In modern

technique, there is an automatic cleaner, destoner which

separates the grains from all dust, stone and foreign material. The

time required is also very less as compared to traditional cleaner.

Table: 1 Price variation at primary level processing stage

AspectPrimary

processing at traders point

Primary processing at millers point

Who does Trader Miller Trader Miller

Total kg 100 92 100 100100 92 100 100100 92 100 100100 92 100 100

Wastage percentage

8 0 80 8

Percentage recovery

92 92 100 9292 92 100 9292 92 100 9292 92 100 92

Purchase price 4500 4600 4500 4670Purchase price 4500 4600 4500 4670Purchase price 4500 4600 4500 4670Purchase price 4500 4600 4500 4670Purchase price 4500 4600 4500 4670

Processing cost 100Processing cost 100 100

Commission charges (@ 2%)

84.64 9084.64 90

Transportation (@ Rs.0.80/kg)

73.6 8073.6 80

Price per kg 46.00 47.58 46.70 47.70Price per kg 46.00 47.58 46.70 47.70Price per kg 46.00 47.58 46.70 47.70Price per kg 46.00 47.58 46.70 47.70Price per kg 46.00 47.58 46.70 47.70

As per the Table 1, there will be a price difference of 6 percent

as compared to miller who cleans the material at processor

point. On an average there will be a loss of 8 percent while

primary cleaning to remove foreign matter, other edible grains,

damaged grains, weevilled grains etc. If primary processing

happens at processor level means, processor has to incur

additional cost such as commission and transportation charges

including wastage while doing primary cleaning. So there is

need for primary cleaning infrastructure at trader’s level to

minimize the additional costs of the processor and to economize

the raw material cost.

The Hi-Tech cleaner/grader, gravity separator, color sorters and

elevator system are the major up-gradation or modernization

seen in the pulses processing industry. The demand for the color

sorted product has increased in the market as customers prefer

sorted pulses and are willing to pay a high price for the sorted

product. Machinery manufacturers are therefore focusing on

this segment as the same is growing very rapidly.

Key factors driving technology upgradation in pulses are (a)

growing health consciousness, (b) preference for quality

products in packaged form and (c) shortage of labour. Millers

look for solutions that minimize power consumption, compress

production cycle, reduce brokens/waste and efficient in

operation and maintenance.

Processing steps


Table: 2 Recovery percentages of various components of pulses

Component

Recovery in kg per

1000 kg

Pigeonpea Chickpea

Grade 1 380-400 650-680380-400 650-680

Grade 2 280-300 98-100280-300 98-100

Grade 3 250-270 38-40250-270 38-40

Wastage

(sticks, mud, shriveled grains etc.) 28-30 18-2028-30 18-20

Husk (cattle feed) 150-160

Total in kg 1000 10001000 1000

Despite the advantages of modern technology for cleaning,

milling and sorting pulses, the average processors are very

less interested in the full setup of modern machinery as the

high investment is a deterring factor. Even the subsidies from

the Govt. of India on pulses processing machinery has been

reduced in few states. Earlier, it was up to 40 percent subsidy

on machineries and currently it’s reduced to 10 percent. The

average processors therefore go for selective mechanisation

(a combination of locally fabricated machines and modern

automatic machinery).

The requirement of machineries is very less compared to

rice milling sector. Generally millers use to build based on

their requirement and capacity with a combination of local

fabricators, local machine manufacturer companies and

branded machine manufacturers.

Region-wise major pulses processing areas in India

The processing industry is divided into three segments, mainly

large scale, medium scale and small scale processors based

on processing capacity (Table 4). The large scale processors

are equipped with all the latest equipments including color

sorter. Some of these large scale processors have more than

one unit running in the region. While the medium and small

scale industries are the combination of traditional and modern

technology with slight modifications. The modifications such as

dust free processing, use of elevators to minimize labour usage,

use of sorters etc.,

Table: 3 Various Pulses processed in major states of India

States Major pulses processed

Andhra Pradesh Tur, Gram, Urad, Moong Andhra Pradesh Tur, Gram, Urad, Moong

Bihar Masur, Tur, Gram

Delhi Gram, Moong, Tur, Masur, Urad, Peas

Gujarat Tur, Gram, Moong Gujarat Tur, Gram, Moong

Karnataka Tur, Gram, Mung, UradKarnataka Tur, Gram, Mung, Urad

Madhya Pradesh Gram, Tur, Masur, peas

Maharashtra Tur, Moong, Urad, Gram, Peas, Masur Maharashtra Tur, Moong, Urad, Gram, Peas, Masur

Rajasthan Gram, Peas, Moong, Urad Rajasthan Gram, Peas, Moong, Urad

Tamil Nadu Tur, Urad, Gram, Moong, PeasTamil Nadu Tur, Urad, Gram, Moong, Peas

Uttar Pradesh Masur, Gram, Moong, Peas, TurUttar Pradesh Masur, Gram, Moong, Peas, Tur

West Bengal Dry pea , Moong, Masur (Lentils), Gram West Bengal Dry pea , Moong, Masur (Lentils), Gram

The cost of machineries varies based on scale of operation and

option of machineriessuch as branded, local manufacturers or

fabricatorsfor the installation of processing plant.

Table: 4 Capacity-wise approximate range of machinery cost

Particulars Small scale Medium scale Large scale

Capacity

(Tonnes per day)10 20-25 Above 2510 20-25 Above 2510 20-25 Above 25

Cost of

machinery

(in INR Lakhs)

25 to 30 45 to 5025 to 30 45 to 5090 and

above

The fabricators are well distributed in almost all the processing

regions of India and they are giving tuff competition to the

branded player in terms of cost. Looking at the efficiency level,

no doubt branded machinery is more efficient.

The recent trend in the pulses industry is the introduction of

mini dal mil which is gaining popularity in last five years. The

investments requiredare smaller and are mostly preferred

by the farmers and small-scale operators. These mini dal mill

models are developed by CFTRI, PKV, IIPR etc.


Value addition in the processing industry

Over a period of time, the pulses industry had a makeover.

Earlier processors were confined to processing, not giving

much emphasis to the quality processing. But with the passage

of time, quality becomes the priority for the customer. And

this lead to the introduction of the color sorter, machinery

packaging, and polisher machine in the pulses industry and

health consciousness led to emergence of dust free processing

units. Few large scale processors are also following certification

of processed pulses products with ISO standards under their

own brands.

Perception of processor towards latest technology

Most of the processors believe that level of investment is high

in case of branded machinery which they can’t afford in case

of small and medium processors. The medium and small scale

processors are being dominated in the major processing hubs,

which are operating in small scale.

Space constraint is another major problem in all processing

region. Modern/Branded mills require a large space for

setup. The increase in the number of mills in the region has

lead to reduction in the utilization capacity mainly due to low

availability of raw material.

The small scale mills are operates mainly in the major pulses

production seasons and raw material availability is problematic

as low domestic production of crop. Hence capacity expansion

will not be easy decision for the millers. Only medium and large

millers can go for it.

Conclusion

The dal milling industry in India needsto updateits milling

technology to improve product quality and comply with

emerging food safety standards, to improve process efficiencies

anddeal with shortage of quality labour. Enough and easy

accessibility to raw materials, financial support for the up-

gradation, opportunities for exports (there are two exceptions

to export, i.e. export of Kabuli Chana, organic pulses and lentils;

but with a ceiling of 10,000 MTs per annum), proper packaging

and marketing for finished products are some of the needs of

the hour.It will take a conscious effort mainly by processing

machinery manufacturers,dal mill associations anddal millers

across India to implement suggestions that will best work

towards the up-gradation of the dal milling industry.

This article is based on pulses processing industry in India.

However, broad concepts are equally applicable to processing in

other origins as well.

For additional information on the article or consulting related to

agribusiness, please contact at [email protected] or call

+91 80 25276152/53

.......................................................................................................



Overview of pulse milling and processing technologiesSathyendra Rao. B.V and Srinivas. A, Senior Principal Scientists in Department of Grain Science &

Technology, CSIR, Mysuru

Rich in fiber and protein, and

having high levels of minerals such

as iron, zinc, and phosphorous

as well as folate and other

B-vitamins, grain legumes provide

nutritional complementarity with

cereals and tubers. They also

play a major role in the nutrition

security, crop diversification and

sustainability. India is the largest

producer, consumer, importer

and processor of pulses in the

world. About 20% of the country’s

internal demand for pulses is being met through imports. It is

estimated that by 2050, domestic requirements would reach a

mammoth figure of 26-27 Mt. It is essential not only to improve

agricultural production but also adapt appropriate processing

technologies/ machinery for optimal utilization. Dry pulses are

also a major food staple of populations in India, the Middle East,

Africa and South America. About 70-80% of the pulses produced

in the subcontinent is milled and converted to Dhal (dehusked,

split cotyledon). There are more than 14000 such mills in India

with varying capacities. Pulse milling is the third largest food

processing industry after rice and wheat flour milling.

Primary goal of pulse processing is

converting these highly nutritious

crops into acceptable, healthy,

functional products. In the

subcontinent, more often than

not the fibrous seed coat (hull) is

removed and the grain is split into two halves (Dhal) before

cooking or further processing. In addition to reducing the

fiber content, milling improves appearance, texture, quality,

palatability and digestibility of pulses and reduces cooking time

as well. Based on the strength of the bond (mucilage and gum)

between hull and cotyledons, pulses are classified as ‘difficult-

to-mill’ (red gram and black gram) or ‘easy-to-mill’ (green gram

and chick pea). Processing methods change accordingly.

Cleaning, grading, drying, conditioning, dehulling, packing

and storing are the major operations performed during pulse

milling (See Figure 1). Conditioning or pre-milling treatment

is to loosen the husk (from the cotyledon) so that it can be

easily separated by mechanical means. It is aimed at increasing

ease of milling, reducing breakage and improving quality of

Dhal without affecting the shape, colour or the cooking quality.

Pre-milling treatments are classified as wet, dry, chemical,

enzymatic and hydrothermal

methods.

Chemical conditioning with sodium

bicarbonate, sodium carbonate,

urea, sodium hydroxide, acetic

acid/vinegar, enzymatic pre-

treatment with xylanase, protease

have been investigated but are

yet to be established as viable

alternative methods. Pre-

processing is a must for pulses

which could be either by wet or

dry method. In the wet method,

pulses are soaked in water for a specified time followed by

sun-drying and milling. In the dry pre-milling treatment, pulses

are pitted, vegetable oil added (0.2 to 0.3%), tempered, dried,

tempered once again for 6–8h and then milled. Drying is done

either using a mechanical dryer or in the sun.

Dhal mills, by and large, employ emery rollers for dehusking

and splitting. After dehusking, husk is aspirated off from the

resultant mixture. Grading is done to get Dhal, dehusked whole

pulse (gota) and small brokens. Combination of rotary and

reciprocating screens is used commercially for separation of

gota. CSIR-CFTRI (CSIR – Central Food Technological Research

Institute) has developed a `gota separator’ which employs

differences in the bouncing properties of the constituents.

Gota is fed again to the conditioner for subsequent splitting.

Dehusking and splitting is incomplete in one step and requires

multiple passes, at times with intermittent conditioning and

grain is scoured in each pass resulting in brokens and fines. To

remove portions of husk still adhering on to the surface, Dhal

is polished (optionally) to impart uniform look and sheen to

the grains and improve consumer appeal. Dhal is polished in

different ways viz., nylon polish, oil/water polish, leather and

makhmal polish. Color sorting of Dhal is the recent development

and the demand for such dhal has increased in the market. Yield

of split and pulses in traditional mills are low as against the

potential yield of 78 to 82%.

There is no common pre–processing method applicable to

all the pulses. Processing differs from crop to crop, cultivar

to cultivar and place to place. This is because of the lack of

thorough understanding of all the responsible factors. As

a result, milling industry has the following difficulties: non

availability of high quality grains (with improved milling

characteristics), dependence on climatic conditions, low milling

Sathyendra Rao B.VSrinivas A


yield due to improper processing techniques and machinery, poor quality of end product, loss of nutrients, unhygienic working conditions, high labour inputs, higher specific energy consumption, poor plant utilization, high cost of processing etc.

To cater to the milling requirements of tiny and very small processors, a large number of low-capacity Dhal mills have also been developed. Notable among them are splitting and dehusking machines of IARI, CIAE, Mini Dhal mills by PKV, Pantnagar, IIPR and versatile Dhal mill and versatile mini Dhal mills of CFTRI. Large scale processing units by and large still depend on traditional

milling methods and equipment.

Many processing technologies have been employed to generate products from pulses.

They include (but not restricted to) blanching, boiling/cooking, roasting, fermenting, germinating, shaping and extruding, puffing, frying (normal and vacuum), etc. A variety of products in varied shapes, sizes, forms and flavours have been developed from pulses. The spectrum of products include namkeens (fried spicy snack), soup, RTE low fat snacks, pasta, nuggets, extruded products, ready mixes for Pongal and Urdbhath, dry powder for Idli and Dosa, quick cooking germinated pulses, legume flakes (plain and/or with spices), papad, composite lentil chips, puffed moth bean snacks and Dhal, etc. Puffed chickpea Dhal and Chickpea flour is used in many culinary preparations.

Deterrents in the use of a number grain legumes is the hard- to -cook phenomenon that leads to long cooking time, presence of anti-nutritional factors such as phytates that affect digestion, flatus and at times toxins. A classic example is the Khesari pulse (Lathyrus sativus) which has a toxic amino acid (β-N-oxalyl-L-alanine) known to cause Lathyrism, a crippling disease in human beings. CFTRI has developed a technology to reduce this toxin to safe levels.

Lesser known pulses like horse gram, cowpea, lentil etc are known for their nutritional content. Use of such pulses in wellness and therapeutic foods is well documented. Ex., anti-hyperglycemic properties and ability to reduce insulin resistance renders horse gram a highly recommended food for the diabetics. Even though a few horse gram based products like soup mix, expanded (puffed) gram are developed, emphasis should be provided to develop and popularize new foods. Some of the pulses also find non-food applications. While Cluster beans is consumed as a vegetable in the unripe condition, mature seeds are processed to extract the gum for industrial uses.

Improving the availability and utilization of pulses in a protein deficient population is a major concern. There is a need to improve the post-production technology of grain legumes to reduce the losses. Modernization of milling technology needs

greater attention. Reduction of dust pollution and carbon foot print also needs to be addressed. Newer technologies like cryo-grinding, enzymatic milling needs to be studied. Appropriate technologies to mitigate anti-nutritional factors for effective utilization of the lesser known pulses and development of value added products delivering nutrition also needs greater thrust.

In short, legume processing industry needs to be given a shot in the arm to bring its cultivation, processing and utilization on par

with the technologies adapted for other grains like wheat and rice.

The article explains in detail about technologies of pulses

processing and new technologies evolved in various milling

technological innovation institutes of India. The variety of new

food products emerged through various pulses ingredients and food products emerged through various pulses ingredients and

there nutritional aspects. Improvements required in the post

handling of pulses.

.......................................................................................................The author can be contacted at [email protected]



New pulse processing technologies meet changing world needs

Prasad Jaripatke, Head of Bühler’s Pulses Business Segment

Next year has been declared the

International Year of Pulses, following

on from similar initiatives for rice

and potatoes. Prasad Jaripatke* of

Bühler expects to see a significant

rise in the global awareness of the

potential of pulses to help nourish the

world’s growing population, safely and

sustainably.

Over the next two generations, the world’s population is

expected to grow from 7bn to 9bn, with 70 percent adopting an

‘urban lifestyle’, in which they take little or no part in growing

and producing food. To meet its needs, it will not be sufficient to

just increase the amount of produced food. Food products will

have to become more efficient, more sustainable, and satisfy

new food habits.

Fortunately, pulses and other foodstuffs have the potential to

meet this transformation, although many issues have still to be

addressed, including improving processing technologies and

greater integration of the value chain.

Perhaps the first thing to appreciate is the attractiveness

of pulses in the global food environment. Pulses are highly

nutritious, being rich in protein, minerals and vitamins and

are increasingly recommended by health organisations

around the world, as part of a healthy diet to combat obesity

and help address chronic diseases like diabetes and coronary

conditions.

Pulses also contribute significantly to improving the

environmental footprint of our daily diet. Like many plant-

based foods, they are more efficient to produce than meat.

Per gram, meat uses up to six times the water required by

pulses. Further, pulses are a nitrogen fixing crop, which

considerably reduces the need to add artificial fertilisers to

the soil, which produce nitrous oxides that have nearly 300

times the global warming potential as carbon dioxide.

Regardless of these impressive nutrition and environmental

advantages, pulses are often still relegated to a secondary role

in the global food landscape. Pulses are a traditional crop in Asia

and Africa. About 70% of production takes place in developing

countries, on farms of under five acres, producing 100-300kg

of pulses a day, for a return of about USD$5. More recently,

production has been increasing in other parts of the world, such

as Australia, America and Canada, with large-scale industrialized

farms. This is partly to address growing local demand, but also

for international trade.

Despite the increase in global production, pulses are still

mostly used as staple food in some parts of the world, and

are less commonly eaten in others. This suggests that there is

considerable potential for growth in their consumption. The

chances of realising their potential are heightened by the fact

that pulses are very versatile. They can be eaten as whole grain,

de-skinned splits, or as pulse flour. They can be part of the

main meal, as in a curry, or can be a side dish like salad, soup

or snacks. They can be used germinated, roasted or fermented,

and can be a part of a purely vegetarian dish or cooked with

meat or fish.

Pulses can be sold to consumers as ingredients for home

cooking, or incorporated into manufactured foods by

downstream processors, thereby adding to the value chain.

Interestingly, people’s taste varies by region around the world,

and the versatility of pulses means they are easily adaptable to

different tastes.

The global food industry is becoming ever more aware of the

potential offered by pulses to deliver innovative food products,

with strong consumer attributes. Both the nutritional and

environmental profile of food can be strongly augmented by

including pulses in the formulation. New applications are being

developed, such as the processing of pulses and their fractions

into extruded or baked snacks, pasta, noodles and other

protein-rich products, which can be produced in high volume

for mass consumption. A significant advantage of this is that

new techniques often reduce the amount of waste, so can add

significantly to the overall efficiency of pulse production. An

example of this is the incorporation of the hulls of de-skinned

pulses into conventional products, supplementing dietary fibres.

Significantly, pulses are gluten-free and in recent years have

found a new market value for end consumers avoiding gluten.

However, the lack of gluten also means that pulses make poor

dough, and to date have been unsuitable for bread and similar

products. Food scientists and technologists are working on new

solutions that will address this drawback and should in time

produce whole new classes of pulse-based end products.

Pulses require accurate processing in order to be transformed

into nutritious and safe food. After harvesting, they undertake

a series of processing steps, including cleaning, grading, hulling,

splitting, polishing and optical sorting, depending on the final


form required for the particular market. This processing ensures

that they are free from impurities, uniform in size and colour,

nutritional, easy to cook and digest.

In the past, the processing industry was run as something of

a cottage industry, based on many small, inefficient mills. This

traditional pulse processing industry is now transitioning to a

new form, based on two types of mill: on one side, modern

high-volume mills, achieving efficiency through economies of

scale to address the mass markets, on the other side, smaller

specialist mills - modern, hygienic and efficient - to satisfy niche

markets.

The older mills can be characterised as manually operated

with high labour costs, poor energy efficiency, low yields and

product wastage. Additionally, they have poor dust extraction

and machinery is prone to break down. Fortunately, all of these

issues are addressable, using state-of-the-art technologies.

Modernised mills will be more sustainable (both economically

and environmentally), more commercially viable and help to

generate wealth for their local communities.

In the near future, automation will be increasingly used to

ensure consistent quantity and quality of throughput. There

will also be technological solutions for reducing processing

time, improving hygiene, increasing productivity and enhancing

nutrition. These developments can be classified as improving

existing techniques and systems, but there is also considerable

effort going into creating true innovation, which will drive

revolutionary new solutions into the industry and open up new

markets.

Besides conventional processing, further, well-established food

technologies can be applied to pulses, to create innovative

products, such as extrusion, baking, pasta making, roasting or

pre-cooking.

The International Year of Pulses 2016 is definitely a strategic

and well-timed initiative. There are a lot of recent advances

to promote to potential markets, and many new avenues to

explore, for which great momentum can be generated during

the Year. Previous International Years have proven successful

in the food industries, and other similar initiatives have helped

stabilise food production in countries like India.

The changes in the food market, driven by global population

and environmental trends, as well as the advantages of pulse

processing, provide the perfect framework for a very successful

and impactful International Year of Pulses. The challenge is now

to set high targets for this initiative, and catalyse the forces of

the pulse community - private sector, governmental bodies and

scientific community - to achieve them. If we can do that, the

ultimate goal of worldwide food security within the foreseeable

future will come a big step closer to being realised.

Cleaning and grading section

within a Bühler 4-story fully

automated, hygienic and dust

free plant

Bühler hulling machines – the

heart of the process line

About Bühler

Bühler is a global leader in the field of process engineering, in

particular production technologies and services for making foods

and advanced materials. Bühler operates in over 140 countries

and has a global payroll of over 10,000. In fiscal 2013, the

company generated sales revenue of CHF 2,322 million

Bühler in Pulses

Bühler provides cutting edge technology at every stage of

the production process, from pre-cleaning, cleaning, grading,

hulling, drying and splitting, through to optical sorting,

polishing and final bulk packing, for the world’s vast array of

pulse products. Additionally, Bühler provides solutions for the

production of extruded products, pasta and noodles, as well as

drying and roasting technologies. Specialising in turnkey as well

as individual solutions, Bühler represents the perfect technology

partner for pulse and food processors everywhere.

.......................................................................................................

*About the author

Prasad Jaripatke is head of pulses, spices and sesame at Bühler.

He has worked for Bühler India for 19 years, across various

divisions and business units.

In 2001, Prasad and his team began developing processing

solutions for a variety of commodities. These solutions have

contributed to higher levels of yield and productivity, as well as

providing safer food products for the end consumer.

Prasad graduated as an Engineer in Production Technology

and is Bühler’s expert in pulses processing. He has been

instrumental in providing new concepts, processes and products

to the pulse industry.

Contact for the media

Tracey Ibbotson, PR Executive, Buhler Sortex, London, England

Phone +44 (0)1992 537421,

e-mail: [email protected].......................................................................................................


Tel: +91 2066497710

Disclaimer- Views are personal.


Branding of minor pulses in IndiaNirali Bhatt, Global Agro Commodities

High quality healthy food is important

Global Agro Commodities, A leading US Based grower,

processor & exporter of U.S. Pulses has expanded its

capability to supply premium U.S. Pulses all the way from

farm to retail stores, hyper markets, cash’n’carry stores all

over India with its launch of premium Pulses under the brand

name of “American Topnotch” for Peas & Lentils (Healthier

Dals), the company is selling retail packaged premium pulses

– Green Peas, Chickpeas, & Lentil Splits known as Yellow Dal,

Dark Red Kidney Beans & Black Eye Beans.

Pulses are rich in protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins and

we are proud to bring these high quality healthier pulses into

Indian retail landscape.

Premium quality pulses from U.S.

U.S. has been recognized by markets world wide as a high

quality producer of Peas & Lentils (Pulses) for many years

and U.S. has been supplying over half a million tons of Peas

& Lentils (Pulses) to India annually with its consistent high

quality for few years now. This is the first time, efforts have

been made to bring the same quality and care in smaller

package all the way “from farm to consumer” under one

large umbrella.

As stated on its retail packs: “Our quality originates from the

regions where pulses flourish naturally and purely – in the

best cultivation areas of U.S.A.

Selected carefully by our experts, their journey leads to

one of the most modern plant in America for gentle further

processing – at which American Topnotch family thrives on a

tradition dating back over hundred years. In this way quality

of American Topnotch emerges, and in your hand it becomes

a unique healthy pleasure.

Indian housewives would enjoy this consistent high quality

and effective price advantage.

The American Topnotch brand has priced the pulses between

Rs. 50 to Rs. 95 for a one-kg pack depending on the product.

(American Topnotch Premium Pulses advertisement at Goa

Airport in February 2014)

International presence

Very limited percent of pulses are sold in India are branded and

American Topnotch is the very first international brand from

U.S. which is being launched in India. We are looking at creating

a national presence, Said Mr. Divyesh K. Patel, Chief Executive of

Global Agro Commodities.

By bringing these premium quality healthier U.S. pulses into

India, Global Agro Commodities is helping to bridge the gap

in demand and supply of Pulses in India. India is not only the

world’s largest producer of pulses, but also the country that

accounts for the second-highest per capita consumption of

pulses after Brazil. It is a reflection of the priorities of Indian

agriculture that the country had to import pulses to satiate

demand between 2004 and 2010. It continued to rely on

imports, for 8.8 million tons of pulses between 2007 and 2009.

.......................................................................................................


Disclaimer- Views are personal.

Section-3

Health, Nutrition &

Food Innovation


Health benefits of pulsesCharan Wadhawan, Senior Scientist, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), USA

Pulses are defined

by the Food

and Agricultural

Organization of the

United Nations (FAO)

as annual leguminous

crops yielding from

one to twelve grains or

seeds of variable size,

shape and color within

a pod. Pulses are used

for food and animal

feed.

The term pulses, as used by the FAO, are reserved for crops

harvested solely for the dry grain. This, therefore, excludes

green beans and green peas, which are considered vegetable

crops. Also excluded are crops which are mainly grown for oil

extraction (oilseeds like soybeans and peanuts), and crops

which are used exclusively for sowing (clovers, alfalfa).

Pulses are known to be part of healthy diet. Pulses such as

chickpeas, lentils, beans (kidney, Mung, Urad, Black beans etc.)

are inexpensive source of many nutrients including protein,

complex carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. They are the best

source of lean vegetarian protein. Eating pulses with whole

wheat bread or rice for a meal, provides complete protein. They

also contain significant levels of vitamins and minerals such as

folate, iron, potassium and magnesium. Although minerals are

partially bound with phytic acid in pulses but can be released

by soaking and cooking, thus increasing their absorption by the

body. Traditionally pulses are soaked before cooking them. Fat

content of pulses is generally very low and of course they don’t

contain any cholesterol.

1.Heart Health

Pulses contribute to heart health due to significant levels of

fiber, folate and magnesium. Folate lowers the homocysteine

levels, which are a risk factor in heart disease. Magnesium

improves blood flow, oxygen and nutrients in the body. Low

levels of magnesium have been associated with heart attack.

Lentils also help to reduce blood cholesterol since it contains

high levels of soluble fiber. According to a recent study

published in Canadian Medical Journal (April 2014), dietary

pulse intake significantly reduces LDL cholesterol levels.

Lowering cholesterol levels reduces the risk of heart disease.

2. Cancer risk

According to The Cancer Project, a diet that includes plenty

of insoluble fiber can regulate bowel movements, promote

digestive system health and may significantly decrease the risk

of colon, breast, throat and esophageal cancer. This may also be

attributed to lignans and saponins, resistant starch, antioxidants

and a variety of phytochemicals in legumes. Foods containing

folate help to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer perhaps due

to its role in healthy cell division and repair of damaged cells.

Research is going on in the anticancer effects of phytochemicals.

3. Celiac disease

Pulses are naturally gluten free, therefore, can form a part of

daily diet for people with celiac disease. There are lot of gluten

free products coming into the market that are made from pulse

flours blends.

4. Diabetes

Soluble fiber helps stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing down

the digestion of carbohydrates. Pulses have a lower Glycemic

Index (GI) which provides a slower release of glucose into the

blood. For diabetics, pulses are a great choice for regulating

blood sugar levels.

5. Control high blood pressure

Studies have indicated a beneficial effect of both dietary

protein and dietary fiber on level of blood pressure. Magnesium

prevents migraine headache and with potassium, it helps

in lowering blood pressure. Pulses are good source of these

nutrients, thus are linked to lowering blood pressure.

6. Prevent birth defects

Pulses are rich in Folate, also known as folic acid or vitamin B-9.

It supports nervous system health, helps in energy metabolism

and synthesis of DNA, RNA and red blood cells. Pregnant

women who consume pulses daily may lessen the risk of their

child born with birth defect.

7. Increase energy

Iron levels in pulses boost iron stores in women especially.

Although it is non-heme iron but when taken with vegetables,


a source of vitamin C, body can absorb iron better to produce

red blood cells and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and iron

transports oxygen throughout the body for energy production

and metabolism. People who are deficient in iron may develop

anemia or ADHD.

8. Weight management

Since pulses are high in fiber and protein which can keep you

feeling fuller for longer period of time. Low glycemic index of

pulses prevents you from feeling hungry soon, therefore, you

would eat less, thus helps in controlling weight.

Using pulses as ingredient

Pulses are very versatile in applications and can be used in a

variety of food products to enhance their nutritional value.

Whole beans can be used as entrees, in combination with rice,

vegetables and meat or as side dishes, salads, soups, stews,

dips, condiments and sweet goods. Ground pulse flours can be

blended with other flours for use in Pizza, crust, pasta, tortilla,

breads, pita bread, bagels, muffins, cookies, crackers, breakfast

cereals, snacks, meat and meat analogs, beverages, desserts,

batters and breading especially for gluten free products.

Pulses can be milled and fractionated into highly functional

protein, fiber and starch for use in other foods to enhance

their nutritional value, improve glycemic index of products and

cooking profiles.

Pulse protein concentrates can be used to replace eggs in foods

for people who are allergic to egg and for vegetarians who don’t

eat eggs. Pulse ingredients can be used in baby foods for infants

who are lactose intolerant and allergic to soy products.

Pulses are somewhat unique as a plant food because in addition

to high amount of fibre and complex carbohydrates, pulses

typically contain about twice the amount of protein found in

whole grain cereals like wheat, oats, barley and rice. They have

higher amounts of the essential amino acid lysine, whereas

cereals have higher amounts of the essential amino acids

methionine and cysteine so blending pulses with cereals or

nuts results in a better quality protein that contains all essential

amino acids in appropriate amounts.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Charan Wadhawan, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Food and

Nutrition: Dr. Charan Wadhawan serves as the Foods and

Nutrition Scientist for Agricultural Utilization Research Institute

(AURI) at the Crookston, Minnesota. She is experienced

with assisting food companies with Product Development

and Processing, Product Commercialization, Compliance

with regulations including labeling, quality control, Shelf-life,

Sourcing equipment and Ingredients. Dr. Wadhawan holds a

Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition, Masters of Science

in Food Technology and a Ph.D. in Cereal Chemistry; as well as

being a member of the American Association of Cereal Chemists

and Institute of Food Technologists. She worked for almost 9

years at the Canadian International Grains Institute as a cereal

chemist and has been with AURI for almost 25 years.

.......................................................................................................


Views are personal


Reserve mobilized pulses– a timely addition to the nutrient-deficient Indian diet

R. Sujatha, Consultant – Diet and Food Processing, India

Malnutrition is a major threat to the fast growing Indian

Economy. According to National Family Health Survey

(2005–2006) NFHS-3, malnutrition and anemia have increased

considerably since 98-99 among Indians especially, among

children and women. More than 50% of the population is

malnourished.

Malnutrition is the condition that develops when the body

does not get the right amount of the vitamins, minerals and

other nutrients like proteins needed to maintain healthy tissues

and organ function. It is a state of imbalanced nourishment.

Malnutrition occurs in people who are either undernourished or

overnourished.

As a Consultant for Diet and Food processing, my observations

pinpoint as a contributing factor to malnutrition, to the

poor quality of foods which are extremely deficient in minor

nutrients such as minerals and vitamins and major nutrients

such as proteins. This condition is more prevalent in the

Southern States where, rice is the staple food. Deficiency of

vitamins and minerals can seriously hamper certain enzymes

which require them as cofactors in order to function resulting

in major disorders. Deficiency of proteins can have a wide range

of consequences. The alarming increase in the prevalence of

obesity, hormonal disorders and other life-style based disorders

can very confidently be attributed to the foods that are deficient

in minor and major nutrients, dietary fibers and extremely rich

in carbohydrates.

Poor quality of foods has a great deal to do with our agricultural

practices and food processing methods which have been

evolved taking only the quantity in to consideration sidelining

the nutritional quality of the products produced. The need of

the hour is to develop processing methods in which the stored

reserves of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in the grains

are mobilized, in other words, converted to the forms which are

absorbed efficiently. Though fortifications of the products with

minerals and vitamins have been in practice, the results have

not been promising. This is because the vitamins and minerals

added are not absorbed and incorporated into the system

efficiently. So, we are left only with the option of mobilizing

the natural reserves of proteins, minerals and vitamins in the

seeds which are easily absorbed by the system since they are in

biologically absorbable forms.

Reserve mobilization is a natural process that happens in

seeds when they are soaked in water and then germinated.

It is a preparatory process to facilitate germination and early

stages of growth. When the seeds are dry, there is no metabolic

activity. A cascade of metabolic events happen as soon as the

seeds get hydrated and most of them are directed towards

breaking down the stored reserves of energy such as starch

and oils and converting them into readily utilizable simpler

energy molecules. During this process, the seeds also release

the reserves of mineral ions and proteins which are stored in

bound form to certain phytochemicals. These phytochemicals

which bind the mineral ions act as Anti Nutritional Factors

(ANF) to humans and other herbivorous animals. Mineral ions

and proteins are made available to the system only when these

binding phytochemicals are broken down.

Surveys cited by FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization of

United Nations) and USDA (U.S.Department of Agriculture)

estimate 20%–42% of the Indian population to be vegetarian.

These surveys indicate that among those who do eat meat,

less than 30% consume it regularly and the reasons are mainly

cultural and partially economic. The Indian population largely

depends on pulses (Peas, Beans and Lentils) as its protein

source. Pulses are imported into the country in spite of India

being a major producer of pulses. But, ironically, per capita

consumption of pulses remains low because of economic

reasons and changing life-style.

Pulses contain a similar amount of proteins to meat. The

nutritional quality of the proteins of pulses is considered only

second to those of meat since they lack certain amino acids like

methionine and cysteine needed by the body. To add to this

difficulty, pulses have very poor digestibility because of high anti

nutritional factors. Pulses have a wide variety of Anti Nutritional

Factors making them poor sources of proteins. In this context it

is worthwhile to consider producing different kinds of products

containing pulses in which nutrients reserves have been

made available for ready absorption by reserve mobilization

processes. Reserve mobilized pulses not only provide proteins

with improved digestibility and absorbability, but also the minor

nutrients. An added advantage of pulses is that they are free of

gluten.

Different pulses have different ANFs. Though hydrating the

seeds by soaking in water followed by germination remove

majority of ANFs, different methods are to be adopted to

remove tougher ones. Apart from the nutritional requirement

Point to be noted

The protein content of pulses is about 20% to 25% about twice

as much as that of cereal’s, making them the most economical

source of proteins.


of the society, the need for easy-cooking pulses products and

snack items is to be considered in order to increase the per

capita consumption of pulses, since the traditional foods and

methods of cooking are becoming burdensome because of

priority shift.

Apart from processing practices, the genotypes of the pulses

also influence the nutritional quality and process ability.

Different genotypes have different nutritional factors and

cooking properties. These differences are due to the differences

in the hardness of seed coat and hardness of the cotyledons

among the genotypes.Genotypes with suitable qualities that

are inheritable are to be selected and popularized. This will

facilitate easy standardization of pre-conditioning methods and

processing methods which will ensure consistency in qualities.

Variety of products has been produced from soya. Like that,

product formulations are to be developed for Indian pulses.

Whole pulses, pulse flours, protein isolates and protein

concentrates are the major categories of products which can

be used for the development of a wide variety of products that

are easy to cook, ready to eat etc. Innovative foods such as

bakery products, snack products, extruded products etc., can

be developed using whole pulses, pulse flours, various fractions

of the pulses such as fibre, starch, proteins etc. Since pulses are

gluten free, they can be used to enrich gluten-free products

with proteins and other minor nutrients.

The Indian food processing sector has not explored into these

fully yet.

.......................................................................................................




Various gluten-free food applications of pulsesH.D Maskus and T.B Loader, Project Manager, Pulse Flour Milling & Food Applications,

Cigi (Canadian International Grains Institute), Canada

Rationale

In recent years, the gluten-free

food market has witnessed a

staggering growth in product

sales. From 2009 to present, the

gluten-free product category

has grown 40% annually, and is

expected to continue to grow at

this rate for another three years

(Food Navigator USA Forum,

2014). Due to extensive media promotion of the gluten-free diet

and increased diagnoses of Celiac Disease and wheat allergy, more consumers are purchasing gluten-free food products from their local supermarkets. The most sought after gluten-free food products in the US are pasta, bread and rolls, breakfast cereals, pizza, and cakes and pastries (Food Navigator USA Forum, 2014). However, according to IRI Worldwide, the top selling gluten-free products in 2013 were (in descending order): crackers, salty snacks, breads and rolls, pasta, cookies, baking mixes, ready-to-eat cereal, ancient grains, snack bars, flour, and frozen pizza (Watson, 2014). Consumers expect the food industry to deliver high quality and nutritious gluten-free food products for themselves and their families. However, the current selection of gluten-free tortillas in stores is limited and products are often lacking in nutritional value. Evidently, there is room for to improve the quality, price, and diversity of gluten-free products available in the UK market. For future product development, manufacturers should look to these three UK consumer trends: 1) consumers are looking for convenience, they want to be able to easily find and purchase foods and easily prepare them; 2) consumers are taking control of what they put in theirs and their children’s bodies through the diet and are therefore seeking healthful alternatives; and 3) consumers are looking for enjoyment foods, such as foods with intensified taste and texture and that provide an indulgent experience (Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, 2014). These issues can be resolved through the development of new gluten-free products that incorporate pulse flours in the formulation. Pulse flours contain more protein, fibre, and essential micronutrients than many of the gluten-free flours that are commonly used in gluten-free food product development today. The Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi) located in Winnipeg Canada has recently undertaken a project to assess the functional and nutritional benefits of the addition of pulse flours to popular gluten-free food product formulations. Considerations in reformulating gluten-free products using pulse ingredients as well as advantages of the inclusion of pulse flours in gluten-free formulations will be discussed in this article.

Materials and methodsThe selection of gluten-free ingredients is critically important in formulating gluten free bakery products. Often blends of gluten-free ingredients are used.Physical and functional characteristics of the blend ingredients complement one another to createfunctional synergies to contribute to quality in the final product. Common gluten-free ingredients include rice, corn, potato, tapioca and other starchy or refined flours (Gallagher et al, 2004).Table 1 includes information on several common gluten-free ingredients. Pulse flours such as chickpea, pea, lentil and bean often can be used at levels of 10-60% inclusion in gluten-free formulations. However, as recommended by Watson et al (2009) flours with strong flavors, such as pulse flours, should be incorporated into gluten-free blends at a maximum of 30% inclusion. Table 2 illustrates gluten-free flour blends developed at 30% pulse flour inclusioncompared to blends with no added pulse flour. An example of a gluten-free formulation for tortillas has been provided in Table 3. Observations through several Cigi trials indicate that pulse flours increase stiffness in doughs and batters improving the handling characteristics when used in

gluten-free formulations.

Table 1. Examples of common Gluten-free ingredients and

their characteristics*

Flour Type Protein (%)

Oil Absorption

Capacity(g oil/g flour)

Average Particle Size

(µm)

Approx. Cost/kg (CAD)

amaranthflour 22.2 1.29 248.0 NAsorghum flour 11.1 0.90 110.2 1.00-1.75millet flour 13.5 0.73 192.3 1.15-2.00 quinoa flour 13.2-13.9 1.00-1.01 197.2-249.7 2.50-14.00coconut flour 20.6 0.73 217.0 3.50-5.50brown teff flour 10.3 0.82 187.3 3.25-4.25chickpea flour 25.2 0.89 172.1 1.50-2.25brown rice flour 9.1 0.64 164.9 1.15-1.75 white rice flour 8.0 0.73 172.1 1.15-1.75arrowroot starch

0.2 0.94 16.6 2.00-3.00

tapioca starch 0.3 0.73 15.5 1.00-1.50potato starch 0.2 0.62 44.0 1.25-2.00 corn flour 9.2 0.80 195.8 0.85- 1.25 fava bean flour 33.4 0.85 198 1.50-2.50

*Testing results from Cigi’s Analytical Services Lab. Cost per kg

will vary widely with ingredient quality and certifications

H.D Maskus

T.B Loader


Table 2. Composition of Control and Pulse Flour Blends used in

Gluten-Free Tortilla Processing

Flour TypeControl Flour Blend 30% Pulse Addition

Flour Blend

Inclusion (%) Amount (g) Inclusion

(%)Amount

(g)

Tapioca 30 60 21 42Tapioca 30 60 21 42Tapioca 30 60 21 42Tapioca 30 60 21 42Tapioca 30 60 21 42Brown Rice 40 80 28 56Brown Rice 40 80 28 56Brown Rice 40 80 28 56Brown Rice 40 80 28 56Brown Rice 40 80 28 56White Rice 30 60 21 42White Rice 30 60 21 42White Rice 30 60 21 42White Rice 30 60 21 42White Rice 30 60 21 42Pulse* 0 0 30 600 0 30 600 0 30 600 0 30 60Total 100 200 100 200100 200 100 200100 200 100 200100 200 100 200

* Pulse flours included whole yellow pea, whole chickpea, whole

pinto bean, whole navy bean, and whole green lentil flours

Table 3. Formulation for Gluten-Free Tortillas Containing 30%

Inclusion of Pulse Flour

Ingredient Bakers (%)1 Amount(g)Bakers (%)1 Amount(g)Flour Blend 100 200Potato starch 5 10Xanthan gum 2 4Baking powder 1.5 3Table salt 0.5 1Vegetable oil 12.5 25Water 60 120

1Percent based on flour weight

Gluten-Free Product Preparation

Gluten-free food processing often requires novel approaches

and unique equipment due to the fluid or batter-like consistency

of many doughs created from gluten-free ingredients (Gallagher

et al, 2004). If the formation of a gluten-free dough is possible,

the doughs created for gluten-free applications are often

very fragile and require delicate handling. An example of a

methodology developed at Cigi to prepare gluten-free pulse

tortillas is explained below.

Five pulse flours were tested in the tortilla formulation at 30%

inclusion with a gluten-free flour blend containing brown rice,

white rice, and tapioca flours (Table 3). The pulse flours tested

were purchased from Best Cooking Pulses (Portage la Prairie,

Canada) and included: whole yellow pea, whole chickpea, whole

pinto bean, whole navy bean, and whole green lentil flours. A

KitchenAid stand mixer with a hook attachment was used for

ingredient mixing. First, the dry ingredients were combined and

mixed for 1 minute on speed 1. Oil was incorporated next, and

mixed for 1 minute on speed 1. Finally, water was added, and

mixed for 4 minutes on speed 2. A spatula was used to scrape

the mixing bowl between ingredient additions and as needed.

After mixing, the dough was rounded by hand into large dough

mass and allowed to rest, covered, at room temperature for 10

minutes. After resting, the dough was divided into 8 dough balls

and flattened using a non-stick rolling pin and white rice flour

for dusting. Dough balls were rolled out to a size large enough

to be pressed with a round cutter (17.5 cm diameter) into a

tortilla shape. Using an electric griddle set to 400°F, tortillas

were cooked for one minute per side then allowed to cool on a

wire rack. After cooling, tortillas were stored in plastic bags and

kept at room temperature until time of analysis.

Gluten-Free Product Analysis

In order to properly identify high quality of gluten-free products

containing pulse flours it is important to identify the quality

attributes and quality targets required in the final product.

Often when pulse flour ingredients are included in a formulation

the physical properties of the product are altered; for example

bread loaf height, tortilla diameter and thickness and cookie

spread ratio. Sensory characteristics of gluten-free products

such as appearance, colour, aroma, flavour and mouthfeel may

also vary depending on ingredients used in the formulation.

Product texture can also be altered with the use of pulse

ingredients in gluten-free products. Compression and shear

testing can help to build understanding of the effects of pulse

flours on these textural characteristics of gluten-free foods.

Gluten-free tortillas formulated with pulses, illustrated in figure

1, exhibited the following quality characteristics. Pulse inclusion

caused some differences in tortilla diameter and thickness

although only navy bean flour tortillas were significantly smaller

in diameter than the control and only chickpea flour tortillas

were significantly thicker than the control. No significant

differences were observed for the sensory traits (opacity/

translucency, toasted spots, puffing, and overall eye appeal)

of pulse containing tortillas from the control. The inclusion of

pulse ingredients in gluten-free tortillas had a significant effect

on the tortilla texture. The firmness (force to puncture in g) of

the control tortilla was significantly greater than all formulations

with pulses with the exception of 30% green lentil flour.

However, rollability of tortillas after day 5 was improved with

the addition of 30% chickpea and navy bean flours.

Figure 1: Gluten-free tortillas made at the Canadian

International Grains Institute (Winnipeg, Canada). Left-right:

control, 30% yellow pea flour, 30% chickpea flour, 30% pinto

bean flour, 30% navy bean flour, 30% green lentil flour.

Nutritional quality

The nutritional content of a food product is one of the main

driving forces behind consumer purchasing decisions. A growing

demand in India was observed for foods that: are organic,

contain antioxidants, have bone healths or cardiovascular

claims, and are gluten-free (Whitehead, 2012). Food products


with high fibre, protein, and micronutrient contentsare desirable.The nutritional quality of gluten-free products changes dramatically when pulse flours are included in these formulations. In this example, nutritional content of the tortillas was estimated using Genesis R&D Software (ESHA Research, version 9.12.1). Nutrient contents were based on 55 g of tortilla, which is the standard reference serving for tortillas as defined by Health Canada. The addition of pulse flour to gluten-free helped to improve the product’s nutritional contents. Per 55g serving of tortilla, fibre content was either doubled or tripled when pulse flour was added to the formulation and protein was increased from 2g in the control to 3g in the pulse flour tortillas (Table 4). In addition, contents of potassium, iron, riboflavin, folate, magnesium, and zinc were also increased after the inclusion of pulse flours in formulation (Table 4). Navy bean flour appeared to have the most positive effect on increasing the nutritional value of the gluten-free tortillas.

Table 4. Nutrition Facts Generated by Genesis R&D Software for Gluten-Free Tortillas Containing 30% Inclusion of Pulse Flour

Nutrient

Gluten-Free Tortilla Formulation

Control30%

Yellow Pea Flour

30% Chickpea

Flour

30% Chickpea

Flour

30%Navy Bean Flour

30%Green Lentil Flour

Calories (kcal)

160 160 160 160 160 160

Total Fat (g) 4.5 4.5 5.0 4.5 4.5 4.5Saturated Fat (g)

0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.4

Trans Fat (g) 0 0 0 0 0 0Cholesterol (mg)

0 0 0 0 0 0

Sodium (mg) 105 105 105 105 105 105Potassium (mg)

45 120 110 160 210 125

Total Carbohydrates(g)

28 26 26 26 26 26

Total Fibre (g)

1 3 2 3 3 3

Sugar (g) 0 0 0 0 0 0Protein (g) 2 3 3 3 3 3Vitamin A (% DV)

0 0 0 0 0 0

Vitamin C (% DV)

0 0 0 0 0 2

Calcium (% DV)

4 4 4 4 6 4

Iron (% DV) 2 6 6 6 10 8Thiamine (% DV)

6 8 8 6 8 6

Riboflavin (% DV)

0 2 2 2 2 2

Folate (% DV) 2 15 15 8 20 20Magnesium (% DV) 8 10 10 10 15 8

Zinc (% DV) 4 6 6 6 8 8Kcal = kilocalorie; % DV = percent of daily value

ConclusionsThe inclusion of pulse flours as ingredients in gluten-free product formulations affects end-product quality including some of the physical, sensory, and compositional quality characteristics. This was demonstrated in Cigi’s research results on gluten-free tortilla formulations. These gluten-free tortillas, containing a base formulation of brown rice, white rice, and tapioca flours, can be improved by the inclusion of pulse flours in the formulation. It was shown that tortilla thickness, total sensory score, texture, rollability, and nutritional content were enhanced by the addition of pulse flours. Pulse flours significantly improved the nutritional quality of these tortillas. Pulse flour tortillas had greater fibre, protein, potassium, iron, riboflavin, folate, magnesium, and zinc contents than the control. These nutritional benefits can be applied to many gluten-free food formulations. In addition to nutritional enhancement, pulse flour also offers a unique colour to the tortillas, which would play a large role in the marketability of the product. It is the gluten-free product manufacturer who will ultimately decide what quality characteristics are most important for their product and which pulse flour would be best suited for their consumer. Pulses have great potential to play an important role in the gluten-free food industry as ingredients in product development.

AcknowledgementFunding for this work has been provided by Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers, Alberta Innovates Bio-Solutions and the Government of Canada’s Agri-Innovation Program.

Literature citedCanadian Trade Commissioner Service (2014, June 6).Webinar: Business Opportunities in the UK for the Canadian Agri-Food Industry – Gluten-Free Bakery.

Food Navigator-USA Forum (2014, April 30). Webinar: Gluten-Free in Perspective.

Gallagher, E., Gromley, T.R. and Arendt, E.K. 2004. Recent advances in the formulation of gluten-free cereal-based products. Trends in Food Science and Technology. 15:143-152

Watson, E. (2014, July 17). Half of new product sales in gluten-free are from snacks, but are we close to saturation point? Bakery and Snacks. Retrieved from http://www.bakeryandsnacks.com/Markets/Half-of-new-gluten-free-product-sales-in-US-are-from-snacks

Watson, F., Stone, M. and Bunning, M. 2009. Gluten free baking fact sheet No. 9.376. Colorado State University

Whitehead, R. (2012, October 10). India’s ‘free from…’ food claims lead the way for Asia-Pacific. Food Navigator. Retrieved from http://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Markets/India-s-free-from-food-claims-lead-the-way-for-Asia-Pacific.......................................................................................................The author can be contacted at [email protected]



Pulses as food ingredients in IndiaP. Vennila, Professor (FSN) in Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, India

Introduction: India is the top pulse

producing country with 26.17

million ha area and producing

17.11 million tones of pulse in year

2010. With this India contributes

to 34% of cultivable area and

25% production of world food

legumes. Chickpea, pigeon pea,

green gram, blackgram, lentil and

field pea are the important pulse

crops contributing about 39, 21, 11,10,7 and 5% respectively.

According to sources in the Indian Pulses and Grains

Association, 2014 the area under pulses cultivation in India 26

million hectares, estimated yield 19.57 million tonnes (kharif:

6.12 million tonnes, rabi: 13.45 million tonnes), average yield

per hectare 650 to 700 kg, Average yield in advanced countries

1800 kg and quantity of pulses imported every year 3 to 3.5

million tonnes.

Composition: The chemical composition of edible pulse

seeds depends upon the species. Pulses contain moisture

8.1 -13.4g, protein 17.1 -42.2g, fat 0.5 -19.5g, minerals 2.1

-4.5g, fibre 0.9 -5.3g, carbohydrates 20.9 -61.4g, energy 321

-423Kcal, calcium 60 -287mg, phosphorus 230 - 690mg, iron

2.7 -11.5mg, carotene 12 -426µg, thiamine 0.30 -0.73 mg,

riboflavin 0.09 -0.39mg, niacin 1.3 -3.4mg and vitamin C 1

-3mg per 100g respectively. Pulses are increasingly becoming

important in human nutrition, because they are less expensive

sources of proteins than the animal proteins especially in the

developing countries. In addition, they are valuable sources

of carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Their protein quality

for food is low, however, when mixed with cereals the total

diet quality can be improved upto 70 per cent of casein or

lactalbumin. In India, judiciously mixing cereals and pulses to

provide a good quality diet was in practice long before people

understood the nutritional importance of that practice. Pulses

are one of the major ingredient in the preparation of culinary

products viz., dhal, sambar, rasam, chutney and sundal and

several commercial products such as malted foods, extruded

foods, fermented foods, papads, traditional sweets and fried

products.

Malted foods: Malting is defined as the controlled germination

of a grain to produce enzymic and flavour compounds while

minimizing losses due to respiration and growth. For malting,

the pulses need to be germinated, dried, devegetated and

powdered. Malted pulses rendered more easily digestible by

the process of germination have great nutritional potential.

Enzyme elaboration facilitates degradation of macro-molecules

like carbohydrates and proteins making them easily available to

the body. In addition, antinutritional factors get diminished to

a great extent. Bioavailability of certain minerals and vitamins

also enhanced. Malting not only provides nutritional advantage

but also reduces the viscosity of the gruel made out of grains

so processed. This reduction is brought about by ‘amylase’ an

enzyme. Malted foods are suitable for making several kinds of

malt based foods, value added products, beverages or health

drinks, low cost weaning and supplementary foods, amylase rich

foods and health foods.

Extruded foods: Extrusion is a process that combines several

unit operations, including mixing, kneading, shearing, heating,

cooling, shaping and forming.Infant foods, breakfast foods,

pasta products, snack foods and textured vegetable proteins are

prepared through this technology.

Fermented foods: The term fermentation refers to break down

of carbohydrate and carbohydrate like materials under either

aerobic or anaerobic conditions. Fermented products are idli,

dosa, dhokla, tofu, soya sauce, miso, tempe natto and wari.

Papads: These are thin wafers like products prepared from a

variety of base ingredients such as black gram, or black gram

and other pulse combinations with and without spices. These

are mostly prepared at homes or in cottage scale industry.

A stiff dough made from black gram flour is made into small

pieces and rolled into thin round discs by means of rolling pins

and dried to a level so that it still remains pliable. The moisture

content in the papads is around 14-18% and their water activity

is quite near to critical limit of mould growth (0.70). Before

consumption, papads are either deep-fat-fried or toasted on a

hot plate or on open flame.

Traditional sweets: Traditional sweets prepared from pulses

which are consumed as snacks besides biscuits and cookies.

Sweets like Laddu, Boondi, Jilebi, and Jhangiri are prepared by

deep-fat-frying. Bengal gram, black gram batters after passing

through thin orifices to impart different shapes. The fried


products are dipped in concentrated sugar syrups for varying

periods of time to impart sweetness. These products have

moisture range of 15-25% and equilibrate between 0.65-

0.80 water activity. Because of intermediate moisture range,

these are susceptible towards yeast and mould growth and

remain stable under ambient temperature only for few days.

Incorporation of sorbic acid in syrup would definitely help in

extending their shelf life. Some more sweets like Mysore Pak,

Besan Burfi, Finni and Boli are also important items among

traditional sweet preparations from grain products.

Fried products: Fried dhals and whole legumes are prepared

by soaking in water along with salt and sodium bicarbonate

solution, and frying in vegetable oils and mixing with spices.

Bengal gram, green gram, horse gram and black gram dhals

are most frequently used. Fried dhals are highly crisp. Chakli,

(Murukku), Tengolal, Boondi and sev are some of the popular

fried products prepared from legume flours. A stiff dough is

extruded through a hand operated press and fried. Crispness

and soft texture are the most desirable characteristics, and

these are mostly determined by the dough composition.

Pulses have a high protein content ranging from 20-40% and

this makes them important in human food from the point

of view of nutrition. There is widespread protein-calorie

malnutrition in developing countries and pulses can play an

important role in bridging the protein gap.

Instant mixes and precooked dehydrated products: These

are gaining popularity in recent years as they are very easy

to handle, time saving, easy to prepare, require minimum

storage space and are attractive. Instant mixes include dosa,

idli, adai mix, vada mix, pakoda mix, bonda mix and dhokla

mix belong to this category. These products are produced by

blending various ingredients in required proportions along with

chemical leavening agents in a planetory or any other type of

dry mixer. Control of granularity, moisture and adequate mixing

are essential for product acceptability and shelf life. These

are simple mixtures of rice, black gram or bengal gram flour

blended with salt and spices. Pre-cooked dehydrated products

includes instant bisibelebhat, curried dhal, peas, curried chholay

and sambhar. These products are prepared by precooking of

ingredients preferably under pressure followed by dehydration

and mixing of the dehydrated ingredients, salting and spicing.

Depending on the dehydration conditions employed and nature

of the product mix, these can be reconstituted in around 6-20

min in boiling water.

Conclusion: Pulses as a main source of ingredient in a number

of convenience foods. Convenience foods have emerged as

a new set of products in the international market. Most of

the traditional foods that are commercially available in our

country are being prepared/ processed by cottage industries

and by some of the multinational companies. The various

types of convenience foods/instant mixes that are presently

being processed marketed and consumed all over the country.

Supplementation with protein rich sources and preparation of

acceptable ready-to-eat snack foods would not only correct its

nutritional inadequacies, but would also provide a variety.

References

Arya, S.S.1992. Convenience foods-Emerging Scenario. •

Indian Food Industry 11(4): 31 - 40.

Gopalan, C., B.V. Ramasastri and S.C. Balsubramaniyan, •

2002. Nutritive value of Indian foods National Institute of

Nutrition, Hyderabad, India: 20 - 50.

Laiqh.A.Khan (2014). Canada to meet India’s demand for •

pulses. The Hindu paper 24.12.2014:13.

Mangaraj,S., D. Mohapatra and R.T.Patil. (2013). Processing •

of pulses: Equipments and Technology. Indian Food

Industry. 32(2): 27

Padmashree, A, AD. Semwal, S.P. Srihari, T, Govindaraj •

and G.K. Sharma, (2013). Development and Evaluation of

Shelf stability of infra red processed instant mung bean

(Phaseolus Aereus) curry mix. Indian Food Packer. 67(6):

106 -111.

Manbir Singh,Sukhbir Singh, Sandeep Singh and Gursharan •

Kaur.2013. Heritage Foods and its Significance: Papad and

Warrian. Processed Food Industry. 16(11): 20-26.

Umaid Singh and B.S.Khatkar (2008). Processing of grain •

legumes for value addition. Indian Food Industry. 27(4):

44-49.

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Section-4

Security & Creating

Awarness


Pulses for food security of IndiaC. S. Praharaj and Ummed Singh, Principal Scientist

Indian Institute of Pulses Research

India is the largest producer,

consumer, importer and

processor of pulses in the world.

Ironically, the country’s pulse

production has reached at 19.5

Mt from the acreage of 24.5

Mha (2013-14). However, the

country is importing pulses to

the tune of 2.5–3.5 Mt every

year for meeting its domestic

demand. Strong upward trend

in the import of pulses is a cause of concern, since an increase

in demand from India has shown to have cascading effect

on international prices, thus draining the precious foreign

exchange. By 2030, the domestic requirements for pulses would

be 26.50 Mt, necessitating stepping up production by 7.0 Mt

of additional produce. This uphill task has to be accomplished

under more severe production constraints, especially abiotic

stresses, abrupt climatic changes, emergence of new species/

strains of insect-pests and diseases, and increasing deficiency

of secondary and micronutrients in the soil. This is however,

achievable under the existing climatic/agro-physiology.

India is the leading country for high consumption of pulses with

an average consumption of 35 g/person/day, but there is wide

variation among states. Intake per day ranged from 16g in Tamil

Nadu to 55g in Madhya Pradesh. The highest intakes tended to

be in northern states. The daily per capita availability of pulses

in India has decreased however, to a meagre of 35g against

FAO recommended dose of 80g/day. It is a matter of concern to

all of us. Hence there is a need to increase both production and

consumption of pulses or pulses protein- a key for vegetarian

mass- in India.

Enhancing productivity in pulses: It has been amply

demonstrated that good agronomic practices alone can lead

to increase in yield to the tune of 25–40% in many field crops

including pulses. However, development of efficient production

technologies is further required/ refined with special emphasis

on adequacy in crop nutrition. There is also a need to develop

appropriate production technologies for non-traditional

areas, crops and the cropping systems involving pulses i.e.

relay cropping rice fallows, summer/spring cultivation and

introduction of compatible crops in cropping systems. Since the

availability of labour for farm operations is reducing and cost of

labour is increasing, there is need to develop crop management

technologies for reducing the cost of production. It also suits

the two pronged strategy of crop production viz., increase in

production/productivity of crops and/or decrease in the cost of

production (or increase in the farm income). Thus, efforts are

also made to develop production technologies with innovative

plant geometry to harness the energy sources. Pulses are such

crops which are having less input requirements (for water,

nutrient etc) which enable them to fit into cropping system(s).

Depending upon the amount and distribution of rainfall, pulses

could be grown under double cropping (annual rainfall >750

mm); intercropping (600–750 mm) and mono-cropping (< 600

mm rainfall) systems. In addition, efficient intercrops for pulses

have been identified and popularized among the farmers so

as to compensate against a possible crop loss through pure

or monoculture. Moreover, large-scale on farm trials in India

have also shown superiority of new technologies over the

local practices. Adoption of these technologies can increase

pulse production by at least 13–42% in the country which also

interprets about the increase in protein quantitatively and

substantially (Table 1).

Table 1: Seed yield advantages (%) from improved techs of

pulse crops under FLDs (2006-09)

Technology Chickpea Pigeonpea Lentil Mungbean Urdbean Fieldpea

Improved varieties 22.4 24.7 23.6 23.3 21.9 20.0

S application 15.4 17.4 20.3 19.0 19.9 24.1

Rhizobium Inoculation 13.4 13.5 21.0 11.1 14.2 13.2

Weed Management 40.0 30.0 24.7 29.6 18.3 26.4

Integrated Pests Management

19.9 28.1 13.1 20.4 17.6 20.2

Full Package 24.9 34.6 41.9 33.9 27.8 40.1

Number of Demonstrations 3480 3773 1454 1640 1098 686

Enhancing consumption of pulses: In the recent past, food

consumption pattern has undergone considerable change

owing to various factors like increase in income, urbanization,

change in consumer taste and preferences, awareness about

safe and healthy food, etc. As a result, the composition of diet

and nutrition intake has changed considerably. It is evident from

the fact that the dietary plan has shifted away from cereals

and pulses toward fruits, vegetables, processed food and food

items of animal origin. Therefore, the consumption of pulses

has come down due to various possible reasons like poor

availability, high prices and availability of cheaper alternatives

of animal origin. Although the shift in consumption towards


horticultural crops and food items of animal origin has no doubt

contributed towards higher intake of calories, but the intake of

protein at the same time has come down mainly due to decline

in the consumption of pulses, which are major source of quality

protein compared to other food items. The concern is reduction

in consumption of pulses for predominantly vegetarian society

and poor like that of India due to high price and fluctuation

in supply of pulses. Moreover, pulses could act as a low cost

substitute during high prices of vegetables and food items of

animal origin. Though, the production of pulses has registered

an impressive growth in the recent decade but it is not in pace

with the increase in the population.

Protein malnutrition is a worldwide phenomenon occurring

in every nation around the globe. Deficiencies of vitamin A,

iron, and zinc affect over one-half of the world’s population.

Biofortification is the development of protein/micronutrient-

dense staple crops using the best traditional breeding practices,

modern biotechnology and to some extent by appropriate

agro-technologies. This approach has multiple advantages. It

capitalizes on the regular daily intake of a consistent and large

amount of food staples by all family members. Since staple

foods predominate in the diets of the poor, this strategy targets

low-income households. After the one-time investment to

develop seeds that fortify themselves, recurrent costs are low,

and germplasm can be shared internationally which makes it

cost-effective across time and distance. Moreover, once in place,

the biofortified plant system is highly sustainable as nutritionally

improved varieties will continue to be grown and consumed

year after year, even if government attention and international

funding for such (micronutrient) issues fade.

In addition, biofortification provides a feasible and viable

means of reaching undernourished populations in relatively

remote rural areas, delivering naturally fortified foods to people

with limited access to these fortified foods. As biofortification

and commercial fortification are highly complementary, it is

also critical that improved agronomy or breeding approach

for biofortification in seeds should not incur a yield penalty.

They may have either important spin-off effects for enhancing

farm productivity or renders yield stability in food crops in an

environmentally sound way. Trace minerals embedded in seed

through biofortification should be essential in enabling plants to

resist pests, diseases and other environmental stresses as these

plants should survive under stress with rapid initial growth and

vigour (and consequently produce similar or higher yields).

Biofortification is the process by which the nutritional quality

of food crops is improved through biological means such

as conventional plant breeding. It differs from conventional

fortification in that biofortification aims to increase nutrient

levels in crops during plant growth rather than through

manual means during processing of the crops.

Pulses for food and nutritional security: Therefore, the need of

the hour is to increase production, availability and consumption

of pulses by adopting various innovative measures. This will

ensure food and nutritional security by bringing sustainability

in agricultural production in the country. In order to increase the

growth in production of pulses, institutional and policy support

is also required for enhancing area under pulses, development

of high yielding varieties, supply of quality inputs, intercropping,

proper extension of production technologies, development

of value chain, etc. The supply of pulses can also be increased

by having orderly marketing of pulses. The availability of

information being a vital component will make farmers to

respond more effectively to the various initiatives of the

Government. With the advent of technology, the information

flow could reach to the lowest level of farming community.

Popularising low cost technology of production, promotion of

high yielding varieties and marketing related issues will be more

effective using ICT. The elasticity of the demand for high value

commodities is highly price sensitive and hence, in the event in

the rise in price of such commodities, pulses will act a substitute

for cheaper protein. Also, considering the fact that, wide spread

malnutrition prevailing among children and women in India,

there is need to promote consumption of pulses by linking

to programme like mid-day meal and rural health mission by

incorporating either free distribution of pulses or by subsidising

the food. Moreover, one such aspect is supplementation of

food legumes per se in human or animal protein nutrition and

biofortification of such food/seed crops for raising the protein

density.

Pulses are relatively a cheaper source of protein than milk,

cheese, cashew, almonds, meat, fish etc., and thus, valuable for

developing countries. The seeds of pulses are most commonly

eaten part and most of them can be economically stored well

for future use. The food value of seed of pulses is high; they

have about the same caloric value per unit weight as cereals

and are fair sources of some vitamins and minerals. Their

protein contents are generally about double that of most

cereals. Consumption of pulses is highest in India as compared

to other pulse growing countries due to low purchasing power

and religious restrictions on non-vegetarian diet. Pulses contain

about 18.0 to 32.0% protein (Table 2) and about 1 to 5% fat.

The pulse protein in isolation have somewhat lower nutritive

value than most other classes of protein like meat, fish and

milk but they contribute substantially in fulfilling the protein

requirement when combined with other proteins in a mixed

diet. Pulses are considerably richer in calcium than most cereals

and contain about 100 to 200 mg of calcium per 100 g of grain.

They are also considerably rich in iron, thiamine, riboflavin and

nicotinic acid as compared to cereals. Young sprouts of pulses

like, mung bean, mothbean and chickpea are popular foods in

many places.


Table 2: Comparative account of energy, protein and others in

pulses (per 100g edible part)

Pulses (Dal) Energy (K Cal)

Protein (g)

Carbohydrate (g) Fat (g)

Chickpea 360 17.1 60.9 5.3Blackgram 347 24 59.6 1.4Cowpea 323 24.1 54.5 1.0Beans 347 24.9 60.1 0.8Greengram 334 24 56.7 1.3Lentil 343 25.1 59 0.7Horse gram 330 23.6 56.5 1.1Peas (green) 93 7.2 15.9 0.1Peas (dry) 315 19.7 56.5 1.1Rajmash 346 22.9 60.6 1.3Red gram (Arhar) 335 22.3 57.6 1.7

Soybean 432 43.2 20.9 19.5

Pulse protein usually contain more than adequate levels of some of the nutritionally important amino acids such as lysine that are deficient in most cereals and other edible plant foods. Therefore, the combination of cereals and pulses provide a good balance of amino acids since cereals usually supply adequate methionine. Pulses are good source of dietary fiber also. Pulses contain several anti-nutritional factors, such as trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors, lectins, polyphenols, flatulence factors, lathyrogens, saponins, anti-vitamins and allergens. The protease inhibitors, lectins and other anti-nutrients cause toxicity. Heat treatment has been well established to destroy proteinaceous anti-nutrients, such as protease inhibitors and lectins, but heat treatment destroys some of the amino acids and vitamins as well. For maintaining the nutritional value of food, it is necessary that heating temperature and length of processing do not exceed the optimum temperature required to eliminate the effect of inhibitors. Moreover, proteins in pulses are known to interact with lipids, tannins, phytates, flavor compounds and pigments. These interactions occur when pulses are processed and converted into products which decrease the bioavailability of proteins. Similarly, tannins and phytates interact with minerals and vitamins resulting in a decrease in bioavailability of minerals and vitamins.

Wide variability in seed protein also exist as chickpea has protein content varies from 18.0 to 30.6 % with an average of 21.5 %. Protein quality of a crop depends on its amino acid composition and the most limiting amino acids determine the nutritive value. Pulses are deficient in sulfur containing amino acids and tryptophan, but are rich in lysine in which cereals are relatively deficient. Lentil has the lowest amount of methionine, whereas pigeonpea has the lowest amount of tryptophan (Table 3).

Table 3: Major essential Amino Acid content (g/100 g seed) of some important pulses

Pulses Lysine Methionine Tryptophan Threonine

Chickpea 1.47 0.28 0.17 0.76Pigeonpea 1.54 0.24 0.10 0.82Mungbean 1.69 0.28 0.20 0.78Lentil 1.57 0.20 0.20 0.91Pea 1.75 0.29 0.26 0.91

The protein in pulses have low digestibility. The protein digestibility and nutritive value can be enhanced by subjecting pulses to cooking or some other form of heat treatment. Low protein value and digestibility is due to presence of protease inhibitors and other anti-nutritional factors. The digestibility of protein and availability of amino acids can be improved by certain processing techniques like, soaking, cooking, roasting, germination and fermentation.

Towards realizing self-sufficiency in pulsesThe National Development Council (NDC) in its 53rd meeting held on 29th May, 2007 adopted a resolution to launch a Food Security Mission comprising rice, wheat and pulses to increase the production of rice by 10 million tons, wheat by 8 million tons and pulses by 2 million tons by the end of the Eleventh Plan (2011-12). Accordingly, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, ‘National Food Security Mission’ (NFSM), was launched in October 2007. The Mission is being continued during 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17) with new targets of additional production of food grains of 25million tons of food grains comprising of 10 million tons rice, 8 million tons of wheat, 4 million tons of pulses and 3 million tons of coarse cereals by the end of 12th Five Year Plan. The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) during the 12th Five Year Plan will also include NFSM-Pulses besides its four other components viz., Rice, Wheat, Coarse cereals and commercial crops. The technology enabling for achieving the mission targets are distinct and are needed to be adopted in totality.

So far adoption of existing technology for bridging the yield gap is concerned, it is established that farmers generally apply sub-optimal doses of fertilizers, insecticides and limited irrigations for pulses after meeting the requirements of wheat, rice and vegetable crops. Therefore, wide gaps also exist between yields realized in experimental plots, frontline demonstration plots and farmers’ fields. Improved varieties of different pulse crops hold promise to increase productivity by 20–25%, whereas package technology comprising improved varieties and integrated management of nutrients and pests has shown 25–42% yield advantage over the farmers’ practices in a large number of frontline demonstrations conducted across the country (Table 1). Therefore, improved production technologies have been advocated for enhancing productivity of pulses.Therefore, for any effort to succeed the institutional support plays a key role. Besides institutional support via infrastructural and other means, improving seed replacement rate, provision for a single or a few life-saving irrigation in pulse-growing season, ensuring availability of critical inputs during critical periods, involving machines for mechanization in pulse production (to reduce cost of cultivation) and Policy support for value chain etc are other appropriate propositions so as to have a secured pulse programme in our country. These have a bearing on both establishing pulses as an essential food

item in our country and enabling India food secure.

.................................................................................................




Pulses as an essential food ingredients and ways to increase food consumption

Jagdish Singh* & RajaniKanaujia,*Principal Scientist (Biochemistry) & Head, Division of Basic Sciences, IIPR, India

Introduction: India shares

around 2.4 % of the total

global area and 18 % of

the world population. It

has an impressive record

of producing enough food

for an ever-increasing

population with the

available resources, thanks

to the advances made in

food grains production,

more so in rice and wheat

during the past three and

a half decades. The food grains production in the country has

more than doubled from 95.5 million tonnes in 1967-68 to 260

million tonnes in 2011-12. Over the years, while the country

has accumulated a huge surplus of wheat and rice, the pulses

remain in short supply. Consequently, the per caput availability

of pulses has progressively declined from 69 g a day in 1961 to

merely 31.6 g in 2010 whereas availability of cereals has gone

up from 394 to 444 gin 2009-10 (Fig.1).

Figure.1 : Availability of Pulses -Per capita per day

Source: http://www.indaagristat.com

India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses in the

world. Pulses form an integral part of diet as a source of protein

in the Indian subcontinent. The production of pulses hovered

around 10 to 11 million tonnes during 1970-71 to 1980-81.

In the recent past the domestic production has increased

tremendously. During 2012-13, the domestic production of

pulses was at an all-time high of 18.45 million tonnes. India is

still dependent on the imports of pulses from other countries.

Presently we are importing around 3 to 4 million tonnes of

pulses every year to meet the domestic demand.

Pulses and human health:

Interest in the use of pulses for human nutrition has grown

considerably in the last decade. Recent researches have

associated consumption of pulses with a decreased risk for

a wide variety of chronic and degenerative diseases such as

cancer, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The food

values of seeds of pulses are high providing 1040 to 1430kJ

of energy per 100 g, about the same calorific value per unit

weight as cereals. Their protein contents are generally about

double that of most cereals, however, they are poor source of

sulphur-containing amino acids, methionine and cysteine, but

they have high lysine and tryptophan contents. Therefore, when

they are used along with cereals, which are poor in lysine and

tryptophan, the proteins complement one another, giving a

better quality protein by supplying the respective limiting amino

acids. Since pulse proteins are rich in lysine with an average

of 65+7 mg per gram of protein as compared to 29+7 mg in of 65+7 mg per gram of protein as compared to 29+7 mg in of 65+7 mg per gram of protein as compared to 29+7 mg in

cereals. Therefore, as long as cereals remain the staple food for

millions of people in the country, the pulses would continue

to play a critical role of complementation in the vegetarian

diets as blend of both provides balanced amino acids with high

biological value.

Pulses are rich source of dietary fibre, complex carbohydrates,

resistant starch and a bevy of vitamins and minerals such as

folate, all the 15 essential minerals required by man including

selenium, potassium, Fe and Zinc and hence also known as

power-house of nutrients. All pulses have a low glycemic index

(i.e. the carbohydrate is slowly digested) which has been shown

to lower glucose and insulin levels. For example, compared

to white bread with a GI value of 100, the approximate GI

values for chickpea are 40, lentil 42 and pea 45, while GI for

beans can vary from 40 to 55. They are low in fat and contain

no cholesterol. Pulses are good source of folate - useful in the

prevention of diseases, such as heart disease, cancer. The B

vitamin folic acid significantly reduces the risk of neural tube

defects (NTDs) like spina bifida in new born babies. Pulses

contain antioxidants - vitamin E, selenium, phenolic acids,

phytic acids, copper, zinc and manganese. Pulses also contain

other compounds like enzyme inhibitors, lectins, Pre-biotic

carbohydrate, Galacto-oligosaccharides and resistant starch,

polyphenols, phytates and saponins- that are considered

as anti-nutrient factors (ANF’s)- that affect the digestibility

and bioavailability of nutrients in humans and animals. In

this new era of intense bioactive research, the same ANF’s

are undergoing a reappraisal. Many of these non-nutritive

bioactive components have been found to have positive health

effects associated with their consumption. Phytic acid exhibits

antioxidant activity and protects DNA damage, phenolic

compounds have antioxidant and other important physiological

and biological properties, saponins have hypocholesterolaemic

Jagdish Singh


effect and anti-cancer activity. Pulses are gluten-free - they

offer a great variety for those on a gluten-free diet (eg for Celiac

disease, a gastro-intestinal disorder). The ongoing research is

examining how whole pulses and the individual components

offer protective and therapeutic effects to such chronic health

conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and

cancer and how consumption of legumes could potentially let

people live longer. Importance of pulses in Indian diets can be

judged from the fact that about 10% of the dietary protein is

met from pulses as compared to 4% in Asia and 4.4% in World.

Non-nutritive bioactive components in pulses affecting human

health

A variety of phytochemicals are increasingly being recognized

for their potential benefits for human health, which includes

polyphenolic compounds, lectins, phytates and trypsin

inhibitors, among others. Lignansand isoflavoneshave

anticarcinogenic, weak oestrogenic, and antioxidant properties.

Phenolic compounds, including tannins found mainly in

the seed coat have antioxidant activity. Phytoestrogens in

pulses may play a role in the prevention of hormone-related

cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer. The lectins or

haemagglutinins in some pulses are toxic when taken orally.

They can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea and bloating in

humans. The enzyme inhibitors and lectins can even reduce

protein digestibility and nutrient absorption, respectively, but

both have little effect after cooking. Phytic acid can diminish

mineral bioavailability. Some phenolic compounds reduce

protein digestibility and mineral bioavailability, while galacto-

oligosaccharides may induce flatulence. The lathyrustoxin in

certain drought-resistant chickpeas can cause lathyrism, a

neurological disorder, when consumed in large amounts. On the

other hand, the same compounds may have protective effects

against cancer. Phytic acid has antioxidant and DNA protective

effects.An increasing amount of research is showing that the

components in pulses can help reduce the risks associated with

a variety of diseases.” For instance, studies indicate that pulse

consumption may reduce the risk of such health problems as

cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

Micronutrient malnutrition and pulses

Micronutrient malnutrition, also known as hidden hunger,

reduces learning and cognitive ability; impairs growth;

reduces immunity; decreases working capacity; causes

several pregnancy complications, blindness, and goiter;

and raises the risk of mortality.The populations most at risk

of such deficiencies are infants and children, women of

reproductive age, pregnant women, and the elderly.Lack

of dietary diver¬sity (i. e, monotonous diets), poor mineral

bioavailability in plant foods, incidence of illness and disease,

and increased physiological demands are the main contributors

to micronutrient deficiencies.Of global concern are deficiencies

in iron, vitamin A, zinc, folate, and iodine. The World Health

Organization (WHO) reported that over two billion people are

at risk of vitamin A, iodine, and/or iron deficiency, with the

most severe problems found in developing countries.Iron (Fe)

deficiency is the most prevalent nutrient deficiency, affecting

as many as four billion individuals worldwide, with women

and preschool-aged children the most vulnerable. Typically,

populations and individuals at risk for iron deficiency are those

that consume high levels of grains such as rice (Oryzasativa L.),

maize (Zea mays L.), and cassava (Manihotesculenta L.) as their

major source of calories. In these regions, the cropping systems

have also changed and over the past 30 years where cultivation

and consumption of pulse crops has declined because high

yielding grain varieties have displaced them in the farming

system.

Essentially, the diversity of staple food crops was reduced

and pulse crops, which are relatively high in iron, declined in

production and consumption. In addition, processing of grains

such as rice and wheat removes much of the iron from these

foods and unfortunately, many populations prefer the processed

products, lowering their consumption evenmore.Research

efforts are now underway to improve the food supply in many

countries through a process known as biofortification. In the

past few years, biofortification for Fe, Zn and provitamin A has

emerged as a cost-effective, sustainable remedy for deficiency

of these micronutrients in developing countries, with an impor-

tant emphasis on reaching those in rural areas.Pulse crops such

as lentil (Lens culinaris L.) are staples in the developing world,

and excellent candidates for biofortification.Lentils are high in

complex carbohydrates, rich in protein, and are an excellent

source of micronutrients, including Fe.

Value addition in Pulse

Pulses are available in a number of forms: dried, canned, flour,

fibres, starches and proteins can all be used to create new and

inspiring menu options.Pulse flours and fractions can be used in

a variety of recipes including cakes, breads, muffins and cookies.

Using pulse flours (pea flour, bean flour, chickpea flour lentils

flour) and fraction ingredients (pea fibre, starch and protein)

can boost the protein, fibre and vitamin & mineral content of

many recipes.Dried and canned whole pulses can be added to

traditional items like salads, soups and chilies. Pureed pulses

can be added to sauces and baked goods, and can even replace

butter in some recipes.New, innovative food products featuring

pulses are popping up on store shelves everyday. The reason

is clear. When food manufacturers add pulses to their product

formulas, the nutritional benefits are boosted and the product

becomes more desirable to consumers.The properties of pulse

ingredients open the doors wide to opportunities for product

development. Pulses can be milled and separated (fractionated)

into highly functional components (protein, fiber, and starch)

utilized to enhance processed foods.Utilization of pulse flours

and fractionated pulse ingredients in food manufacturing is

an emerging trend. Pulse ingredients are being utilized in an

increasing number of products, including pasta, breakfast


cereal, snack food, deep frozen dishes, dressings, extruded

bakery products, cookies, crackers, sauces, instant soups, and

puddings. Some companies are exploring the production of

things like flours, starches and protein extracts from pulses

that can be used as ingredients in food formulation.As more

and more manufacturers use these ingredients in foods, there

would be increasing consumption of pulses in the diet and, as a

consequence, health benefits to consumers.”

Pulse Protein

Protein from pulse crops can be used to increase the protein

content in processed foods and to make concentrated protein

ingredients. Lentil flour is being incorporated into a nationally

distributed, premium line of pasta. Compared to traditional

pasta, this pasta is higher in protein and fiber, with a lower

glycemic index, and has a full protein profile. The lentil flour

gives the pasta some very favorable cooking attributes that

make it firm and less likely to become waterlogged and

soft when overcooked. Pea protein ingredients have been

successfully demonstrated to be a viable replacement for eggs

in some food products.

Pulse Fiber

Fiber from pulse crops can be used to increase the fiber content

in processed foods.Pulse crops contain high amounts of both

soluble and insoluble fiber. The use of pulse fiber is economical

compared to fiber-fortifying gums or soy protein products.

Pea hulls (Pea Fibre isolate)have high water binding capacity,

Modifies texture, Veggie burgers, hamburgers, sausages,

nutritional bars, sauces, fillings, baked products

Pulse Starch

Starch derived from pulse crops, particularly peas, has

functional properties that can make it useful for manufacturing

processed foods.Pulse starches can be used to improve (lower)

the glycemic index of products. Pulse starch ingredients can

enable food manufacturers to reduce carbohydrates. For

example, gels made from pulse starch can be prepared with

50% less starch than corn starch.Pulse starches can be used to

modify food texture, which is important for both processing

and consumer acceptance. For example, food manufacturers

can utilize pulse starches to reduce fat in products and mimic

the mouth-feel of fats.Pulse starch properties include good

stability at high temperatures, high viscosity compared to cereal

and tuber starches, excellent gel strength and bland taste (pea

starch isolates), and ability to contribute to increased volume

and expansion in extruded products and puffed snacks.

Pulses are gluten free. Pulse protein concentrates can be

used to replace eggs as food ingredients in some applications.

Eggs are the fourth most common food to trigger allergic

reactions in adults. Pulse ingredients may become important

ingredients for baby food manufactured for infants with lactose

intolerance and allergies to soy products.Products made from

pulse crops have added market appeal because pulse crops are

economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable. Beyond

positive economic impact to communities, farms, and food

manufacturers, pulse crops provide other benefits to society.

Products containing pulse ingredients can enhance nutrition and

are derived from crops that use less natural resources (water

and fossil fuels) and conserve cropland through improved soil

health. Pulse protein is “green” because the nitrogen that pulse

crops synthesize into protein comes from the atmosphere, not

from synthetic fertilizers made from nonrenewable natural

gas and because pulse protein is synthesized more efficiently

than animal protein.On environmental perspective, pulses

provide various benefits. For example, pulses and other

legumes fix nitrogen, so they reduce fertilizer needs, lowering

non-renewable energy inputs into the cropping system. Also,

adding legumes to diversify a crop rotation can help break

disease, weed and insect pest cycles. Legumes have a positive

effect on the soil organism community, which can help improve

crop production. Pulse crops are transforming crop rotations

in environmentally-responsible ways that expand agricultural

production to meet the world’s increasing demand for food.

.......................................................................................................



Section-5

Outlook, Markets and Trade


Australian pulses crop outlookPeter Wilson, CEO Australia Milling Group, Australia

“The Australian Industry

is excited to have 2016

designated as the

International Year of the

Pulses. Such a focus on this

sustainable group of beans,

lentils, chickpeas and peas is

long overdue. We all know

how valuable these crops

are to sustainable farming

systems, the environment and

human nutrition.”

The 2014/2015 season has been an overall, challenging year

for Australian pulse producers who experienced below average

rainfalls perpetuated by an already below average moisture

profile in the soils, adversely affecting their ability to plant on

time. This season has been characterised by late plantings with

a quick, dry finish. In areas that have had sufficient rainfall, it has

been poorly timed, adding to the risk of water damage, especially

on crops such as mung beans. These factors have had a direct

impact on total production as shown in the below Table 1.

Table 1: Pulse Planting Figures

Figure 1: Total MT Produced by Commodity

Product

Year

2011/2012 2012/2013 2013/2014 2014/2015

Area (HA) Prodn(MT) Area (HA) Prodn (MT) Area (HA) Prodn (MT) Area (HA) Prodn (MT)

Desi

Chickpeas524,000 623,000 508,000 630,000 343,000 435,000 289,650 396,870524,000 623,000 508,000 630,000 343,000 435,000 289,650 396,870524,000 623,000 508,000 630,000 343,000 435,000 289,650 396,870524,000 623,000 508,000 630,000 343,000 435,000 289,650 396,870524,000 623,000 508,000 630,000 343,000 435,000 289,650 396,870524,000 623,000 508,000 630,000 343,000 435,000 289,650 396,870524,000 623,000 508,000 630,000 343,000 435,000 289,650 396,870524,000 623,000 508,000 630,000 343,000 435,000 289,650 396,870

Lentils 167,000 250,000 169,000 254,000 173,000 202,000 147,200 170,045Lentils 167,000 250,000 169,000 254,000 173,000 202,000 147,200 170,045Lentils 167,000 250,000 169,000 254,000 173,000 202,000 147,200 170,045Lentils 167,000 250,000 169,000 254,000 173,000 202,000 147,200 170,045Lentils 167,000 250,000 169,000 254,000 173,000 202,000 147,200 170,045Lentils 167,000 250,000 169,000 254,000 173,000 202,000 147,200 170,045Lentils 167,000 250,000 169,000 254,000 173,000 202,000 147,200 170,045Lentils 167,000 250,000 169,000 254,000 173,000 202,000 147,200 170,045Lentils 167,000 250,000 169,000 254,000 173,000 202,000 147,200 170,045

Lupins 594,000 738,000 387,000 625,000 468,000 564,000 406,300 541,500Lupins 594,000 738,000 387,000 625,000 468,000 564,000 406,300 541,500Lupins 594,000 738,000 387,000 625,000 468,000 564,000 406,300 541,500Lupins 594,000 738,000 387,000 625,000 468,000 564,000 406,300 541,500Lupins 594,000 738,000 387,000 625,000 468,000 564,000 406,300 541,500Lupins 594,000 738,000 387,000 625,000 468,000 564,000 406,300 541,500Lupins 594,000 738,000 387,000 625,000 468,000 564,000 406,300 541,500Lupins 594,000 738,000 387,000 625,000 468,000 564,000 406,300 541,500Lupins 594,000 738,000 387,000 625,000 468,000 564,000 406,300 541,500

Faba Bean 156,400 295,000 153,000 328,000 167,000 244,000 168,100 336,900Faba Bean 156,400 295,000 153,000 328,000 167,000 244,000 168,100 336,900Faba Bean 156,400 295,000 153,000 328,000 167,000 244,000 168,100 336,900Faba Bean 156,400 295,000 153,000 328,000 167,000 244,000 168,100 336,900Faba Bean 156,400 295,000 153,000 328,000 167,000 244,000 168,100 336,900Faba Bean 156,400 295,000 153,000 328,000 167,000 244,000 168,100 336,900Faba Bean 156,400 295,000 153,000 328,000 167,000 244,000 168,100 336,900Faba Bean 156,400 295,000 153,000 328,000 167,000 244,000 168,100 336,900Faba Bean 156,400 295,000 153,000 328,000 167,000 244,000 168,100 336,900

Source: Pulse Australia and ABARES

Despite the decrease in hectares planted, this season represents

another positive year for yields in pulses such as desi chickpeas.

This is due to the increased investment from bodies such as

pulse Australia Limited and Pulse Breeding Australia, aiding in

the development of new varieties and improvements in on farm

management techniques. Despite the decreased number of

hectares planted, yield potential has increased over the past five

years and has against increased by 8% for the 2014 harvest. This

is shown in the below graph.

Figure 2: Desi Chickpeas - Area planted vs yield

Source: Pulse Australia

In addition, there is a push to increase hectares planted to

pulses for human consumption. This has ensured that despite

poor conditions, export of pulse products have remained

steady or generally increased. There is a projected increase as

technologies are adapted to manage those drier seasons.

Chickpea exports account for over 80% of the product produced

(shown in the below graph in red). This exported figure is

expected to increase with demand for desi chickpeas into key

export markets. These markets are India (35%), Bangladesh

(31%) and Pakistan (20%), with smaller volumes also going to

Nepal and the United Arab Emirates.


Figure 3: Export vs domestic use desi chickpeas

Source: Statpub

The past season has shown a pricing increase between spot and

present values of 34% for Peas, 15% for lentils, 15% for faba

beans and 25% for chickpeas between the months of December

2014 and March 2015.

The amount of new crop area planted will be dependent on

the volume of rainfall received, as shown in the below soil

moisture map. Areas in the East and South of Australia which

are important in pulse production again are characterised by

well below average soil moisture, causing potential issues with

timing of planting and increasing the risk of a smaller crop as a

direct result of the reduced area planted.

Figure 4: Soil Moisture Map

Sourced: http://wxmaps.org/pix/soil7.html (02/03/2015)

...................................................................................................




Australian 2015 pulse outlook

Tim Edgecombe (CEO Pulse Australia), Cindy Benjamin (Pulse Australia communications consultant), Australia

The Australian pulses industry is enjoying a positive outlook for the 2015 winter cropping season following difficult conditions last year. Although the 2014 season in Australia began with plentiful early season rainfall in southern and western regions, there was little follow up rain mid-season and a hot dry finish with damaging frosts in some districts. Much of the northern growing region suffered under low soil moisture conditions

that deterred some growers from planting pulses.

As a consequence the total pulse crop was estimated at around 1.7 million tonnes, down 21% on the previous year. However, it was pleasing to note that despite the lack of rain during the growing season the yields and grain quality were still respectable in most areas. This is a reflection of how far the industry has progressed in its ability to put in place breeding programs and agronomic practices that support crop development under difficult conditions.

Prospects for 2015 chickpea, lentil and field pea crops are promising and, provided sufficient rain falls in the coming months, Pulse Australia expects the area sown to pulses to be maintained or to increase. The lower Australian dollar is supporting pulses export prices with strong demand for Australian pulses.

Hopes high for solid chickpea plantingsKey points:

Soil moisture varies across Queensland and New South Wales• Rain is needed to plant in April and May• Chickpea area could rise by 15% due to strong market and • rotational needs

Pulse Australia chairman, Peter Wilson believes that Australia, the leading global exporter of desi chickpea, may be in the best position to fill a likely production shortfall in India this year.

“Chickpea planting is complete for this season in India and reports indicate that the planted area is down about 10–15 per cent on the long-term average,” he said. “Australian growers will seriously consider desi chickpea as an option this season as current prices look likely to hold, and represent good value to growers.”

Reflecting on the desi chickpea market over the last three years, Mr Wilson acknowledges that the industry has faced market challenges. “Desi chickpea markets have recovered extremely well after a combination of large crops, the strong Australian dollar and a weak Indian rupee saw prices come under pressure,” he said. “However, with supply and demand coming back into balance for

desi chickpeas we have seen prices recover well.”

Australia desi chickpea is well-accepted in the Indian marketplace, being genetically very similar to locally grown chickpea. The Australian product is visually distinct to product from Africa and Pakistan.

Wheat remains the main competitor for winter cropping land in Australia. When wheat prices are strong, the area sown to pulse crops usually drops, however, many wheat growers are convinced of the many benefits that pulses bring to their production system, cash flow and farm business profitability. Australian growers taking a long-term view across their rotation are likely to maintain, or possibly increase, their area sown to pulses in 2015.

“There is no question that pulses add value to the system,” said Mr Wilson. “While price is an important consideration it is not the only motivation for crop selection. Taken over a full rotation pulses pay their way in soil health and integrated weed, pest and disease management, even when they are not attracting stellar prices.”

Lentil expansion expectedKey points:

Summer rains (50 to 100mm) has boosted soil moisture• Canola price has fallen• Increase in lentil area with very good market support•

Australia is a relatively small global exporter of lentil. Pulse Australia industry development manager, Mary Raynes says the soaking January rains this year will support growers interested in accessing the buoyant lentil market. “Lentil prices are currently well over $900 per tonne, a very attractive option in the face of declining canola prices,” she says. Ms Raynes is predicting a 5 to 15 per cent increase in the area sown to lentils over the 2014 sown area of 170 thousand hectares. She says lentil growers now have more choices in varieties that suit a broad set of agronomic situations.

“There is a far wider selection of varieties now on offer, with improved and varied agronomic traits,” she says. “Growers can select a variety that best suits their farming system and locality.”Three new lentil varieties available commercially for the first time in 2015 offer growers more high yielding options with greater diseases tolerance and other valuable agronomic traits. “PBA GiantA is a high yielding large green lentil, PBA GreenfieldA is a high yielding disease resistant medium-sized green lentil and PBA Jumbo 2A is high yielding disease resistant large red lentil to replace PBA JumboA and Aldinga,” says Ms Raynes.

While 2014 was a difficult season for grain growers in many districts lentils are a proven performer in less extreme years. The lentil resurgence, which began in 2010, has seen the sown area


increase to about 160–170 thousand ha.

Field pea exports remain smallField pea yields in southern Australia were well down on average but interest continues to grow in new varieties. Increased plantings of PBA Wharton and the white field pea, PBA Pearl, are expected in 2015. Field pea crops in central west NSW enjoyed good growing conditions with yields ranging from 1 t/ha to 4 t/ha.

Field pea plantings in Australia are particularly sensitive to price comparisons with wheat. Domestic demand for field peas as stockfeed provides peas with a solid demand mix and therefore price stability. Only very small quantities are exported, with India as the main buyer.

The relative profitability for field pea has risen as the canola price decreased, however Pulse Australia expects growers to increase their area sown to lentils rather than field pea.

Australian Free Trade AgreementsThe last 12 months have seen some remarkable changes occurring in the international trade of agricultural produce, including pulses.

After many years of negotiations several free trade agreements (FTAs) and economic partnership agreements have come to fruition in Australia and others have taken meaningful steps forward. Pulses have been included in all three of the Free Trade Agreements (FTA) that Australia has signed this year with Korea, Japan and China.

Tony Russell is Executive Manager for Grains Industry Market Access Forum (GIMAF), which draws together peak industry bodies, including Pulse Australia, to work with the Australian government and its agencies to develop and implement international market access plans for the grains, fodder and seeds industries.

He says that while the reduction or removal of tariffs is significant it does not remove all barriers to trade. Nor does it mean that huge new markets will suddenly open up to demand Australian pulses.

In March 2014, after years of lobbying efforts by Pulse Australia and CBH, along with technical negotiations by Department of Agriculture officials, processed lupin for human consumption (split or ground) was granted market access to India. Lupin production in Australia has declined over the last decade due to a lack of markets prepared to value the commodity at a level that provides a competitive return to growers.

Recent publicity around the unique nutritional benefits of lupin in a human diet may have encouraged Indian authorities to consider the inclusion of lupin in the mix of pulses marketed and consumed in India. This announcement of the acceptance of lupin for human consumption in India may kindle a renewed interest in the production of lupin as an important broadacre rotational crop.

Most recently Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced plans to progress with the India–Australia FTA. Other trade barriers also exist for pulses into India however having an FTA in place

is likely to assist with the negotiations surrounding the other barriers. GIMAF is developing a strategic plan for India to focus on market access problems is a priority for 2014–15.

More information: Tim Edgecombe, Pulse Austalia CEOPhone: +61 425 717 133 [email protected]


Australian Faba bean to EgyptKey points:

Soils are dry in central and southern NSW, some rain in South • Australia and VictoriaSubstantial rain, 150 to 250 mm, needed before May• Faba bean area will rise in Queensland, though area remains • small (5–8 thousand ha)Faba bean area in NSW will be at least average supported by • strong pricesFaba bean area in Victoria will rise, 20 to 30%•

After an exceptional season in 2013, there is no question that the

faba bean crop in southern Australia endured a difficult season in

2014. Early estimations suggested that the average yield across the

growing regions would be down 50 per cent.

After last season’s success the sown area increased 15–20 per

cent in 2014 but a combination of hard frosts and a hot dry finish

affected crops across the region.

According to Nick Poutney, GrainCorp’s head trader for pulses, the

smaller crop in Australia was supportive of local values because

the main importer, Egypt, had already sourced a significant

proportion of their requirements for the year from the UK and

France, which both had more product than usual to export.

“If Australia also had a large crop we may have suffered a price

slump due to an over-supply of the market,” he says. “As it was the

high prices of $430 plus per tonne stayed firm as the harvest came

to a close.”

Egypt imports about half a million tonnes of human consumption

grade faba beans each year, roughly one-third of which is sourced

from Australia. The level of demand is very consistent from year to

year so the major influences on prices are supply-driven factors.

Mr Poutney believes there is growth potential for faba beans

outside the Egyptian market, particularly in Saudi Arabia and

Indonesia. “Faba bean flour adds significant nutritional benefits to

many baked foods and I expect the market to grow as the benefits

are promoted in the lead-up to the International Year of Pulses in

2016.”

“Unlike cereals, pulse markets are often aligned to a single

importer, such as faba bean to Egypt and chickpea to India,” he

says. “In faba bean we see Egypt dominating global trade, buying

over half of the faba bean traded internationally. This type of

market dominance is quite common in pulses but very rare in

cereals.”

The vast majority of Australian faba bean are delivered direct to

packers rather than to the bulk handling facilities.

“Of the 300 000 tonnes exported from Australia in 2014, only

about 50 000 tonnes was exported in bulk while the containerised

trade accounted for around 250 000 tonnes,” he says. “Faba bean

colour and size are the most important traits when it comes to

marketing the grain into the human consumption market.”

The faba bean harvest in France in September was followed by

the United Kingdom in October and finally the Australian crop in

November. Egypt consistently purchases around a third of their

requirement from Australia due to the preferred colour and size of

Australian faba beans, which command a premium. This demand

will be slightly more or slightly less depending on the supply and

quality Egyptian buyers can achieve from Europe.

“For the 2014 season, with ample European supply, we anticipate

the Egyptian requirement from Australia will be slightly less than a

third, which will complement our smaller harvest this season,” says

Mr Poutney.

Following the severe conditions this season and the long-term

outlook indicating another dry season ahead Mr Poutney is

encouraging growers to stay with faba bean, which he believes will

remain a profitable option for growers. “Faba bean are also good

for the soil and are the best-fit pulse for the irrigation areas in

southern Australia,” he says.

The Fiesta-type faba beans—Farah, Fiesta, Nura and PBA RanaA—

are the most commonly grown across southern Australia. PBA

SamiraA, released in spring 2014 for

the high rainfall regions, is also suitable for markets like Egypt that

favour the Fiesta-type faba beans.

Pulse Australia helped develop the market in Egypt through

the negotiation of product specifications with the Egyptian

Government over a decade ago. Production estimates for faba

bean show a 5-year average planting area of over 160 000 ha and

an average yield of 1.7 t/ha, and up to 3.0 t/ha in more favourable

areas and under irrigation.

.....................................................................................................The author can be contacted at [email protected] Views are personal


Myanmar pulses industrySoe Win Maung, Consultant, Myanmar Pulses, Beans and Sesame Seed Production, Myanmar

Pulses industry is the top foreign

exchange earning industry of

Myanmar, second to the oil

and gas. Annually, Myanmar

exports about 1.0 to 1.5 million

metric tons of pulses at a value

of about 900 million to 1 billion

US $. Development of the pulses

industry depicts the responses

of this important industry to

the transformation of Myanmar’s economic system from the

planned economy to the market-oriented one.

Myanmar Pulses Market Structure- Major Pulses Growing

Hubs

Pulses are grown all over Myanmar however it concentrates

in the areas like central dry zone, delta and high land areas.

Depending on the production areas, accessibility conditions

and proximity to the trading ports, markets are established

accordingly. Markets in Yangonand Mandalay are the major

markets while regional markets such as: Monywa, Shwebo,

Myingyan, Pakokku, Magway, Hinthada, Pyay, Taunggyi, and

Museare well known markets for pulses trading.

Myanmar produces over 20 varieties of beans and pulses.

How ever, in the country consumption requirement of pulses

is relatively low and most of the pulses are exported mainly

within the ASEAN region.

Current season pulses (toor, black matpe and moong)

Production

In Myanmar, pulses are grown in both rainy season and winter

season, depending on the pulses and growing regions. Toor

is usually grown only in rainy season while black matpe and

moong are sown in both seasons. Larger acreages are generally

grown in winter, for example, 99% of black matpe are grown in

winter. But for moong it is different since about 47% of the crop

is sown in winter. This year production of toor is estimated to

be a little lower than the last year by 0.9 %. Similarly, current

season (2014-15, winter season) black matpe is estimated to

show a negative growth of 1.6% while moong production is

expected to increase by 2.5%. It is comparable to this year’s

rainy season production of black matpe and moong, registered

at the growth rate of (-) 15.7% and (+) 3.6% respectively.

Insights on Myanmar Pulses Processing Technologies

Although Myanmar stands as a global supplier of pulses, pulses

processing technologiesremain at its initial stage. The reasons

may be requirement of buyers, production for export rather

than local consumption, high investment in processing facilities,

technology know-how, and limited information of value-added

products demand. Consequently, there are limited number of

processing facilities and share in export of value-added products

stands at 5 to 10 percent. It is an urgent need of Myanmar to

improve its pulses processing technologies particularly for the

exportation of value-added pulse products.

In Myanmar beans and pulses processing usually involve

two steps. Primary processing consists of receiving, cleaning

and quality sorting of seeds. Secondary processing consists

of preparing seeds for consumer use and can include dry

packaging, canning and the making of soup mixes, powders

and flour. The secondary processing is minimal with the

processing sequence ending at dry packaging.


Pulses Export Growth of Myanmar to Different Countries

With reference to the data from International Trade Centre (ITC), overall annual growth of Myanmar pulses export during 2008 to

2012 has been subdued at 2%. And pulses export to India shows stagnant growth and export to China declines 11% while exports to

Philippines, Australia, and Indonesia have shown the growth of extraordinary rate.

Myanmar’s pulses and beans exports (2012)

SlNo. Importers

Exportedvalue 2012 (US$, thou-

sands)

Share in Myanmar’s

exports (%)

Exported quantity

2012

Exported growth in

value 2008- 2012

(%, p.a)

Ranking of partner countries in world imports

Share of partner

countries in world

imports (%)

Total import growth in value of partner

countries 2008-2012(%, p.a)

Total 804083 100 1147661 2 100 8

1 India 596172 74.1 887362 0 1 23.6 8

2 Pakistan 45367 5.6 63422 10 5 4.2 21

3 Indonesia 37628 4.7 46793 32 27 0.8 37

4 Malaysia 28209 3.5 33623 16 26 0.8 17

5 China 20569 2.6 25650 -11 2 6 43

6 Japan 14025 1.7 15974 14 14 2.1 12

7 Philippines 10117 1.3 12132 47 42 0.4 8

8 Chinese Taipei

9927 1.2 14686 19 43 0.4 11

9 Thailand 9502 1.2 13369 15 51 0.2 17

10 Singapore 6938 0.9 7331 6 57 0.2 9

11 Republic of Korea

6664 0.8 9556 15 38 0.5 16

12 United Kingdom

5946 0.7 5520 13 11 2.4 0

13 Sri Lanka 3207 0.4 3524 21 17 1.3 -3

14 Australia 1774 0.2 1508 37 61 0.2 4

15 Russian Federation

1460 0.2 1295 28 47 0.3 6

Source:ITC calculations based on UN Comtrade statistics

Myanmar produces beans and pulses in three quality grades:

first quality (FQ), special quality (SQ), and fair average quality

(FAQ). The majority of FAQ beans are sent to India with most

FQ and SQ beans sent to higher quality demanding markets

such as Korea, Japan and China, etc. The major export

destinations of Myanmar is India (>70%), followed by Pakistan,

Indonesia and Malaysia.

Costs Involve in the Shipping Pulses Container to India

(Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, etc.)

Myanmar pulses exporters usually sell pulses in FOB Yangon

basis. The prices reflect the supply and demand of pulses in the

market and prevailing exchange rate. In the shipping of pulses

container to India or any other foreign markets, costs such as:

buying prices from the merchants, transportation cost, ready

cargo cost and 2% income tax. Currently, transportation cost

may becomparatively higher and fluctuating than in neighboring

countries, for example, transport cost from warehouse to port is

sometimes higher than the freight cost from port to destination

because of inefficient transport system and poor infrastructure.

Importance of Indian Market to Myanmar Pulses Industry

The key international destinations of Myanmar pulses are India,

Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Japan and the Philippines.

In 2012, Myanmar exported 1.15 million metric ton of pulses

of which 0.89 million metric ton shipped to India. In terms of

value, it accounted for about 74% of total pulses export.

New pulses type of pulses which is demanded the most in the

importing countries

Based on diverse agro-ecological conditions, Myanmar

produced various types of pulses apart from traditional

pulses like pigeon pea, black matpe, green moong, chickpeas

and lentils. Among non-traditional pulses, red kidney bean,

black-eyed bean, butter bean, lablab bean, soybean, cowpea,

horse bean, bocate, sultani, sultapya, Pegya, garden pea,

penaukaremost demanded pulses in the importing countries.


How pulses market operates in Myanmar

Pulse markets could be found all over the country and in the

major producing areas, Crop Exchange Centers (CExC) play

important role. Currently 11 centers have been established

in Yangon, Mandalay, Hinthada, Pyay, Myingyan, Magway,

Aunglan, Pakokku, Monywa, Shwebo, Taunggyi and Muse.

These centers are managed by the local trader representatives

with the support of the Ministry of Commerce. Of these

centers Yangon and Mandalay are major centers for local and

international trading while Muse center stands as a main center

particularly for border trade with China.

Potential Risk

The beans and pulses trade is badly regulated. It’s mainly due

to lack of focus in general on organization or research and

development in the sector has hindered its development in

contrast to the more blossoming rice trades.

Message for the International Year of Pulses 2016

Based on rich land and water resources and market demand,

Myanmar became a major global supplier of pulses. At present,

pulses are not only major export items of the country but

also most important cash crops for farmers. To develop the

pulses sector of the country is at the top priority agenda of the

government. With the opening of economy and relaxation of

trade restrictions, Myanmar pulses industry is trying to step

up again. Foreign investment, technical cooperation, financial

assistances are invited to improve this potential industry

particularly in productivity, quality, food safety, and processing.

Cooperation, collaboration, knowledge sharing among countries

during international year and after 2016 would determine how

much to supplement the global pulses demand and to enhance

trade relations among countries and thus support the role of

pulses in soil conservation, health and nutrition, environmental

conservation, and animal feed industry.

......................................................................................................




Myanmar pulses market and its tradeShyam Narsaria, CEO, Arvee International Pvt Ltd. (Yangon Branch), Myanmar

UNO proclaimed 2016 as international year of pulses. How will it help pulses industry to prosper?United Nations Organisation and IPGA are working hard to promote pulses. Definitely it will create awareness about pulses and its nutrition benefits for human health. Most of the people are becoming diet conscious and looking towards vegetarian food and pulses are

the major source of vegetarian protein. So both producers and consumers of pulses will be benefited.

Myanmar is the second largest producer of pulses. Pulses area, production and yield are increasing at other growing hubs like Canada, Australia and China, given increasing trend in consumption of pulses. So to meet the vegetarian protein requirement of the world, the UNO initiative will help pulses industry to grow to the next level.

Tell us in breif Myanmar pulses Market Structure and major pulses grown.Myanmar market is still not open and will not open. Here the system is 100% cash transactions in advance, within 2-3 working days. In other countries LP and BP system is practiced. In Myanmar if we buy a cargo today, then within 2-3days we have to make the whole payment and then its buyer’s choice when to load, transport and it will vary from a week to 2months time.

The market is risky, small and un-organized. Though they say it is opening up, still long way to go. In Myanmar 10-15 Singapore based companies are doing business. Local producers and suppliers are not up to International standards. Even they face financial constraints.

On the production side, Myanmar has three major pulse crop such as Black matpe (Urad) is around 600 to 700 ‘000’ tonnes, Tur is around 200 to 250 ‘000’ tonnes and Green gram is around 400 to 500 ’000’ tonnes. There are other pulses also available here with a very small quantity like Black-eyed beans, Brown beans, Red kidney beans, chickpeas, etc.

Tell us about market access challenges for the pulses crops Non-tariff barrier (NTBs), Technical Barrier to Trade (TBTs) and Sanitary and Phytosanitary barriers etc.Major barrier in Myanmar is banking; here there are only 2 to

3 banks which are functional, through them only we have to do all our transactions. Secondly labour cost is very high and availability of labour is very low with poor skills. January to March is the major pulses arrival season, during that time it is very difficult to get labours for loading, unloading and cleaning. The labour cost has been increased by 5 times from last 5 years. Thirdly electricity/power is also another problem, so most of the machines run under generators and there are no major problems other than these.

Give us some Insights about Myanmar pulses processing technologies.There are only 2 or 3 dall mills with average production capacity of 1000 tons/month and others are very small and are cottage industry which process only 50 to 60 tons/month. There is still long way to go, for the dall factories and processing industries in Myanmar. As per the news, Indian Govt. is planning to start export of processed pulses in coming years, so in that way I don’t think the processed pulses industry will develop in Myanmar because India is technically advanced and developed by more than 15 to 20 years than what Myanmar is today. So far Myanmar failed to maintain the quality of processed pulses due to unavailability of skilled labours and technically long way to develop under processing. Even the cost of processing is also higher, on an average it will be around $1050-1100, which will be produced at $1000 at other countries.

What is your projection of Pulses output during current season?Myanmar will be harvesting good pulses crop during current season, which will be 25-40% higher than last year.

PulsesProduction

(in ‘000’ tons)

% change from

previous season

Tur (Red gram) 200-250Tur (Red gram) 200-250 25-30%

Black matpe (Black gram) 700 25%

Green mung (Green gram) 400 30-40%

Chickpeas 40-50 Unchanged

How do you manage the quality parameters of pulses throughout the supply chain?We have got about 20 well experienced employees and they have thorough knowledge on quality aspects of pulses. The material loaded to the cargo will be devoid of weed seed, damaged seed, insect seed and mud particle. We also depend on technology of gravity machine to maintain and clean the pulses as per

international standards. Then with collaboration with SGS, the

renowned inspect agency, we maintain quality of pulses.


Generally after loading cargo, fumigation is done in Myanmar. Our Fumigation is slightly different. Once cargo arrives to our premise, fumigation is done and it will be airtight for 72hours. Then the packed material will be loaded to container, which will be subjected to another round of fumigation.

Can you brief about Myanmar Pulses growing season?There is no much seasonal difference of pulses production between India and Myanmar. Here growing culture of pulses is slightly different. The main crop is paddy and once the completion of the paddy crop, with the residual moisture, fertile soil of the crop helps farmers to go for pulses during September, October and November. The harvesting season starts from January and February is the major harvesting season of pulses in Myanmar. In case of India the black matpe comes in August, September but in Myanmar it comes during February and March. The Green mung will be round the year, however February is the major season.

Myanmar pulses growing season

Season\month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun JulJun Jul Aug Sept OctSept Oct Nov Dec

Sowing

Harvesting

How is the Myanmar Pulses export trend over the years?

From last 5 years the average export from Myanmar is around

1.2 million tons, but from last (2014) year there is small variation

because of local stockiest speculation. During 2015, exports will

be around 1.4 million tones, because of bumper crop production

this year, which is higher by about 25 to 30% more. During 2014,

Myanmar exported 1.25million tons of pulses.

What is the freight Costs for shipping container from Yangon to

Mumbai?

During last 2-3years the freight cost has been dearer. The freight

charge has been reduced from 30 to 40% in last two years, which

was around $30/ton for shipping container from Yangon to Mumbai

but now it has declined to $20/ton during last two years.

The main reason for the decline is the surplus availability of vessels

due to higher imports of other commodity from Myanmar. So to

ship commodity from Yangon to Mumbai the freight cost is around

$350/20ft container, but to ship commodity from Mumbai to

Yangon will be around $750/20ft container. To and fro it will cost

around only $1000/20ft container.

Apart from traditional pulses like pigeon pea, black matpe,

green mung, chickpeas and lentils, kindly brief about new

pulses type which is demanded the most by the importing

countries.

There are two kinds of beans such as Butter bean, Lab Lab beans

nowadays started exporting, there price and quality is also good.

Nowadays the production quantity has been increased of these

pulses.

We have heard of spot market in India and their way of

operations. Can we understand how pulses market operates in

Myanmar?

There is a local exchange or local mandi for domestic sale but

not for outsiders. Farmers will bring produce to the country side

stockiest and from it will be sold to market and exporters.

What is the role of Singapore in pulses trade?

Singaporeans have major role in trade because they are the

financiers, due to advance cash transactions in the market. So

the Singapore has got very big role to play in finance and get

cheap finance from them (3% per annum).

Whether there is any incentive by Myanmar Government for

pulses Industry?

There are no restrictions and incentives from the Government.

Actually there was 10% tax on export and it has reduced to 2%,

which has been named as commercial tax.

India is the major buyer of Myanmar pulses. Who are other

major buying countries?

In recent time, Dubai and China are importing pulses from

Myanmar, mainly because of sanction by India on export of

pulses. In Dubai processing plant has been set up with average

capacity of 100 ’000’ tons.

Whether there is existence of research institutes on pulses in

Myanmar.

There are institutions to do research to increase production and

productivity in Myanmar but not up to the mark and also there

is negligible demand of pulses domestically.

What is your Message to CICILS-IPTIC pulses conclave 2015.

India is the major consumer of Myanmar pulses and it should

rule the world pulses market, because market should be rule

by the consumer or buyer. Currently pulses price depends on

other stockiest like Canada, Russian markets etc. Recently there

was talk about allowing export of pulses by India, which will be

great decision for the pulses industry, if it is allowed. There is

apprehension, that decision will increase pulses price volatility.

According to me, by allowing export of pulses from India, there

will be stabilization in pulses prices globally. ................................................................................................


Disclaimer-Views are personal


Outlook on lentils and peas Harsha Kukreja Rai, Vice President Sales, Mayur Global Corporation

Pulses play a vital role in

our lives. Pulses are the

cheapest source of dietary

proteins. The high content

of protein in pulses makes

the diet more nutritive for

vegetarian when taken with

other cooked food items.

The pulses are also known

for increasing productivity

of soil through fixation of

nitrogen from atmosphere,

addition of biomass to soil and secretion of growth promoting

substances.

World Pulses Production Summary

Product (MT) 2014 2015

Lentils 42,49,000 49,79,000

Peas 105,46,000 114,72,000

Chikpeas 135,53,000 119,12,000

Beans 224,71,000 232,10,000

India:

Red lentils: This year was a dry year for India but still acreage

for lentils was higher as compared to last year. Contrary

unseasonal rain and hail storms was reported in some of India’s

pulse growing region in mid march. This had the potential to

adversely impact quality, as the crop was ready to harvest in

a week or two. There were also reports of frost and snowfall

in some northern regions of India. Quality and quantity both

were affected due to changing weather conditions at harvest

time. Hence bringing production not higher than 5,50,000

MT including all growing areas. This year India will again be

dependent on imports from other origins.

Green Lentils: India imported approx 80,000 MT green lentils

form canada for the period of Aug-Jan 2014-15. Green lentils

imports are higher as compared to last year. Govt tenders

combined with short pigeon peas production resulted in

continuous buying for major south ports of India. Green lentils

is used as a substitute of pigeon peas and hence we could see

continuos demand for same in India this year. Import price

varied a lot with huge difference between No1 No2 and Extra 3

and No3 grade lentils. This year quality in Canada was affected

by weather and hence crop had more of extra 3 and no3

product.

The country’s agriculture department has estimated almost 8%

hit in the production area. Most of the damage is in Rajasthan,

with roughly 532,000 hectares hurt by untimely rains. Losses

in Uttar Pradesh were pegged at 393,000 hectares and in

Madhya Pradesh at 200,000. Looking at other states, India’s

agriculture department estimates 5,000 hectares were lost in

Haryana, 2,500 in Himachal Pradesh and just 150 hectares in

Uttarakhand. This should be reflected in the country’s third crop

estimate for the 2014-15 production cycles.

India-Pulses Supply Forecast (in MT)

Production Season 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Tur Kharif 2650000 3020000 3290000 2740000

Gram Rabi 7700000 8830000 9880000 7930000

Urad Kharif 1230000 1430000 1070000 1150000

Rabi 540000 470000 450000 405000

Total 1770000 1900000 1520000 1555000

Moong Kharif 1240000 790000 980000 710000

Rabi 390000 400000 510000 459000

Total 1630000 1190000 1490000 1169000

Other Kharif 940000 620000 680000 600000

Rabi 2400000 2730000 2410000 2169000

Total 3340000 3350000 3090000 2769000

All Pulses Kharif 6060000 5860000 6020000 5200000

Rabi 11030000 12430000 13250000 10963000

Total

ProductionTotal 17090000 18290000 19270000 16163000

Pulse

ImportsPeas 1457000 1690000 1469000 1763000

Chickpeas 244000 677000 426000 341000

Lentils 259000 793000 637000 811000

Beans 1067000 1272000 960000 1098000

Total

Imports

All

Pulses3027000 4432000 3492000 4013000

Total Supply Pulses 20117000 22722000 22762000 20176000

Calculations are based on historic data of India’s agriculture

department, trade estimates, FAO & exporting nation’s data.

Australia: Lentils:Most lentils grown in Australia are red. Australian lentil crop size estimation was higher in 2014.Though production is up from earlier estimate of 2,55,000 MT , it remained well below last year’s 2,99,400 MT crop. Export is expected to be strong in first


half of 2015. Looks like Australia will once again be sold out on red lentils and hence we could see increased planting this year.

Canada:Red lentils : production stood 12,84,100 MT from 21,20,000 Hectare. USA:Lentils output in the United States was down 35% at just under 148,000 metric tons (MT) in 2014. Combined with a small carry-over from the previous marketing year, available supplies of lentils were down 39% at almost 153,000 MT. Exports movement was strong in first quarter, Sept-Jan export number says 103000mt already exported. Looks like Ending stock would be negligible and hence seeding area should increase next year.

Lentil markets will remain sensitive to growing conditions around the world in the medium term, until the Canadian crop is safely in the bin. The next major piece of market-making news will be Saskatchewan lentil acres, with State’s Canada’s first estimates to be released April 23rd. Weather will again play a very important role. This will decide on how much would be turkey crop and what would be weather situations in Canada at the time of seeding and harvest.

Yellow Peas :For 2015-16 seeded area in Canada is forecast to rise by nearly 4% from 2014-15 to 1.6 Mha because of higher potential returns relative to other crops, good logistical movement and solid export demand. Production is expected to increase by 10% , due to a return to higher expected yields. Supply is forecast to rise marginally due to lower carry-in stocks. Exports are expected to be slightly lower than 2014-15 and as a result, carry-out stocks are expected to rise sharply but not to be burdensome.

The yellow pea market has also grown quieter recently, with a couple of factors looking to keep the short-term outlook bearish.

Despite projections for a smaller rabi crop, India is currently sitting on a fair bit of inventory at major ports in India. Indian importers bought heavily earlier in the winter as they were concerned about their domestic harvest due to weak monsoon this year but now appear to be pulling back.

China has been very quite in terms of imports and it could be seen that Chinese buyers are backing away from bulk shipments. China is again one of the other market which has potential to lead aurally in peas in coming months ahead as market expect buying from this destination.

The medium term outlook remains flat to higher, due to strong exports and very tight ending stocks forecast for yellow peas through to the end of 2014/15.

Green Peas :Canada : Exports have been steady. With domestic disappearance accounting for it looks like ending stock for green peas in Canada would be low. Also with projected seeding for

next year in Canada which is just half the acreage as compared to last year , production is expected to be 4,50,000 MT with carryover from this year at around 80,000 MT. New crop trades have already started for August September 2015 shipping window.

USA : India imported around 38,000 MT for the period of Sept- Jan 2015 from USA. Quality this year was a problem too in USA due to rain at the time of harvest but again good quality No1 and No2 peas got very good premium. China is one of the another volume buyers for USA green peas but this year china has been very quite in terms of imports as lot of inventory in there in China from last year’s imports.

Indian market has good inventory of green peas due to its own production and imports this year. At the moment stocks in India is higher than demand and this is pushing prices towards south.

Logistics :Logistics is one of the most important factors to be considered. As seen from last 2 years, with record crop and trade logistics became the major issue at Canadian USA port. Huge back logs and continuous demand from exporters for railcars to move their product remained the major concerns. Situation eased this year but could not be solved completely and looks like it’s still is a problem. With long ongoing issues at USA port affected shipments from Canada also equipment availability always remained an issue.

Canada’s railways are still not making progress on decreasing outstanding orders for hopper cars from field crop shippers in western Canada, according to the last data accumulated by the Ag Transport Coalition. Though railway performance has improved as compared to last year but still it looks like transportation and handling logistics will again likely be bit difficults in coming months and will remain one of the important factor affecting pulses prices in Canada. Lot of sales is already made for new crop for peas and lentils already and movement should start quickly after the harvest in Canada. Suppliers are keeping in mind the logistics issue which might be faced again with new crop in terms of railways and equipments availability and hence choosing selling shipping window accordingly.

Weather :With changing weather pattern it’s very important to keep track of weather forecast for all growing areas. Unseasonal rain at the time of harvest in India or extremely dry weather forecast for Canada going forward in June to August is very important factor to watch. Quality and yield both may be affected with such weather pattern. This accounts for one of the major factors which accounts for price change. .......................................................................................................The author can be contacted at [email protected] Views are personal


Towards the holistic development of pulses economyPallavi Oak, Dy. Manager- Knowledge Management, NCDEX

It is an irony that despite being the world’s largest producer of pulses, India has not achieved self-sufficiency in it. A number of initiatives taken to augment domestic supply, including substantial hikes in minimum support prices (MSP), use of improved seed varieties and crop management techniques, allowing imports at zero duty and banning exports, among others have not yielded the desired results. With net availability

of pulses still lagging behind their requirement and price pressures at intermittent intervals, India continues to be the world's largest importer of pulses.

The crucial missing link here is an efficient marketing and supply management system which can incentivize cultivators by guaranteeing fair returns and assured purchase of their produce, while simultaneously making pulses easily accessible and affordable to consumers. This calls for developing pulses market enabling robust procurement and backed by an efficient distribution. Therein lies the role of commodity derivatives market.

Regulated commodity futures markets have been around in India for more than 10 years. Serving as a platform for efficient price discovery and risk management, commodity exchanges have driven numerous reforms creating an environment that enables market participants to grow their business with utmost confidence and trust.

Electronic mode of trading and standardized quality and quantity parameters of futures contracts have helped establish a centralized market place accessible to producers, millers, importers on real-time basis irrespective of their geographies. Participation of multiple buyers and sellers and the availability of market information in real time has created a competitive environment that facilitates transparent price discovery. Further, the availability of mid-month, far-month and near-month futures contracts, givesa year round reflection of the market sentiments and demand-supply scenario.

Near-real time dissemination of the futures prices through various information channels viz. price ticker boards, kisaan call centres, television channels, etc. provides participants with a direct access to price information. This reduces information asymmetry and empowers them to take well-timed and informed business decisions.

Futures trading in pulses – Availability of a competitive market system NCDEX Chana futures, launched in 2004, have helped farmers take sowing decisions,millers and traders decide on how much to stockor import. Cues from Futures markets serve as early warning signals which are verycrucial given that different variety of pulses, to a great extent, are substitutes of each other. Chana futureshave also enabled every stakeholder in chana value chain mitigate their price risks effectively. Close alignment of chana futures with physical market as a result of contracts designed to reflect market

realities have made futures trading effective for hedging. Moreover, settlement of chana futures through (compulsory) physical delivery has ensured sync between futures and spot prices and in turn has added sanctity to the prices discovered on the exchange making them more realistic.

High correlation (more than 90%) between NCDEX chana futures and spot prices, gives market participants a platformto hedge efficiently.

Futures trading in pulses – Augmenting support service infrastructureThrust on deliveries, besides increasing integrity of futures prices, has promoted back-end infrastructure development. A robust network of accredited warehouses has increased the holding capacities of producers reducing incidences of distress sales, while helping traders and dal millers efficiently manage their inventories.

Stringent quality accreditation norms stipulated by the exchange for empanelling a warehouse service provider have instilled confidence in the participants and also provided them easy access to pledge finance to meet short-term liquidity needs.

Further, the practice of assaying and grading of a commodity has ensured the delivery of fair quality produce to the buyers and has created quality consciousness among the sellers.

Futures trading in pulses – Fuelling business growth through institutional capacitiesModern clearing and settlement mechanism of the exchange has ensured time-bound payment to seller and delivery of goods to buyer. Online monitoring and surveillance mechanism of the exchange has facilitated orderly functioning of trading operations. Thus, trading in chana futures has improved the confidence to trade. Moreover, facilitating better coordination through a centralized market structure, trading in chana futures have reduced transaction costs associated with identifying market outlets, physically inspecting product quality, and finding buyers or sellers.

Impetus to Spot MarketA credible futures platform depends on the robustness of the spot market. Path breakinginitiatives introduced by the spot market arm of NCDEX, NCDEX e-Markets Limited (NeML) , are helping


modernize the entire eco-system for spot commodities’ trading, making it a transparent, fair and objective marketplace. Electronic trading platform of NeML is not only reducing manual intervention and intermediary costs, but has become a trigger for a complete overhaul of the supply chain system from purchase of commodity to payment.

Mandi modernization initiated by NeML, beginning with Gulbarga APMC market of Karnataka in December 2011 has transformed the spot trading system for turfrom manual auctioning to a web based e-auction platform along with option of grading. Automation not only has saved time bringing in transparency but also has facilitated quick and confident off-site bidding. The project has covered 51 APMC markets in Karnataka, two APMC markets in Telangana and one APMC market in Andhra Pradesh in last two years and has positively impacted life of more than 1.5 lakh farmers with graded produce fetching 10-12% more than ungraded produce of FAQ quality.

Unified Market Platform (UMP) introduced by ‘Rashtriya e-markets and Services Private Limited’ (ReMS), a joint venture company of NeML and Govt. of Karnataka, in February 2014 is further driving the efficiency of spot transactions by facilitating inter connection of state-wide APMCs to create ‘one state one market’.

By providing an online auction platform, NeML has helped the State Food and Civil Supplies Department, Government of Karnataka (KFCSC) to procure tur dal under the mid-day meal scheme for students of government schools at reduced costs with processors across Karnataka as well as from Maharashtra offering their produce. Purchase of 12,500 MT of tur dal through e-auction mode has resulted to a net saving of around Rs. 13 crore for KFCSC in FY 2013-14.

NeML has helped Karnataka Togari Abhivrudhi Mandali Limited (KTAML/ Tur Board) to purchase tur (FAQ quality) to enhance efficiency of procurement operations by refining the process to introduce objective assaying and grading of tur, near real time tracking of operations through Video monitoring, electronic mode of payment to farmer account. Since its introduction in 2011-12, e-procurement services of NeML have benefited 15,142 tur growers in Karnataka by reducing overhead and intermediary costs.

NeML through its e-pledge services has successfully addressed issues related to warehouse receipts, warehouse accreditation, and collateral management by enabling online tracking and traceability of pledged lots. E-pledge has been functional in six states across 150 warehouses directly benefitting 66 farmer producers’ organizations (FPOs) 443 borrowers including 340 farmers 17 processors and 76 small traders and small processors.

Accelerating efficiencies of forward segmentForward transactions are very common in pulses market, where imports account for almost 40% of total domestic supplies. Forward sales of the imported pulse varieties involve high risks of defaults, if export prices of those pulse varieties subsequently rise vis-à-vis the prices for domestic forward sales.

Exchange traded forwards available on NCDEX, are a refined version of the existing forward trades, providing a structured, regulated framework to the trade, backed by legal sanctity and guarantee. This helps to reduce counter party default risk by assuring compensation guarantee to the extent of margin collected.

A dal miller willing to buy chana can negotiate price, date, quality parameters, delivery location and mode of delivery, as he enters into

a forward contract of chana on the exchange platform. He can enter the contract at flat price or link it to the NCDEX chana futures contract quoting a premium or discount. Moreover, he can choose to give delivery at rake point or truck point. He can also opt for direct delivery mode or may deliver at exchange-approved warehouses through COMTRACK® to track the movement of goods online. With multiple modes of delivery he can conveniently take deliveries at those locations which are not covered by existing delivery network under futures market and save his transportation costs.

A buyer can enjoy additional benefit of assaying the quality, be assured of receiving produce of his desired quality. A dal miller can be rest assured of timely procurement, as delivery is compulsory under exchange traded forwards and contracts are settled within a specified time period. At present exchange traded forwards are available in chana (in reference and fixed price contracts), tur, urad and yellow peas (only in fixed price contracts).

Members can participate in this new segment for ‘Pro’ trading with their existing membership codes. Clients also can execute their forward trades with their existing client codes. Alternatively, a special membership category, ‘Commodity Participants Members’, is also available for participating in forward segment.

Forward transactions have recorded total turnover of Rs 967.62 lakh with trade volume touching 5, 156 tones by the end of February 2015. 24 commodity participants members (out of which 11 are farmer producers’ organizations (FPOs)) are actively trading in forwards, 18 more (nine of which are FPOs) have applied for membership. Forward trading is available in 26 commodities on the Exchange.

Exchange traded forwards, along with the electronic spot and futures segments are poised to accelerate the pace of growth of pulses economy and synergies of the three segments that create seamless ability to trade that would help improve domestic supplies reducing country’s dependency on import.

Innovations at NCDEXCOMTRACK®,• a user-friendly web-based commodity accounting system developed by NCDEX, facilitates holding and transfers of commodities balances in an electronic form. It helps market participants trace their stocks in the clearing and settlement network through seamless linkages between entities involved in the process.Exchange of Futures for Physicals• (EFP) mechanism offers the industry stakeholders the comfort of doing business with known entities customizing the trading terms, while enabling to exchange their futures position for physical one.Limit Spread Order type • functionality available on NCDEX platform facilitates trading in calendar spreads using spread day orders. Since a calendar spread position is given, it gives the benefit of lower margin. For example, this functionality can help a Chana trader to trade without needing to place buy/sell orders separately in individual contracts. While the Exchange ensures execution of both the legs of the trade, the system reduces risk exposure and saves his time of analyzing tick-movement in price.Small size contracts (Chana 2 MT) • replica of full-size contracts (except for contract period and lot size) and yet are cash-settled, enables retail investors to hedge only price risks without having to take physical delivery and related hassles bringing in diversification into their portfolios and benefit from the same.




Price outlook on lentils and peas Venkatraman S, Sr. Commodity Analyst, FBSPL

Canadian production of pulses for 2015-16 (Aug’15-July’16) is

likely to increase due to increase in area. Dry pea production is

forecast to increase to 3.8 million tons as against 3.44 forecasted

in 2014-15 (Aug’14-July’15). Lentil production is forecasted

higher at 2.15 million tons in 2015-16 as against 1.84 million

forecasted in 2014-15.

Canada’s dry pea exports in 2014-15 are estimated to increase

to 2.9 million tons and for 2015-16 a tad lower at 2.8 million

tons. India, China and Bangladesh are the top three Canadian

exporting markets.

For 2014-15, Canadian lentil exports are forecast to fall by 6% to

1.65 million tons. India, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates are

currently the top three export markets.

Lentils Red overall bullishness intact

Since February-2012 (when it reached the bottom of 15.65

dollars/cwt), price of Lentils Red Canada has been on a gradual

upward bias. Currently it is trading well above the consolidation

formation, basis the weekly chart, signaling room for further

bullishness.

As on February-18-2015, Lentils Red is quoted at 34.04 dollars/

cwt. On the weekly chart, red lentil is traded well above multi-

year consolidation phase, and is likely to move higher towards

42-44 dollars/cwt either in Q2 or Q3 of 2015. At the same time

downside is limited to 30 dollars/cwt. Overall, Lentils red Canada

is all set to move higher in sight of 42-44 dollars/cwt and may

even retest theJune-2008 high of 52 dollars/cwt in the long run.

Peas Yellow

Price of Peas Yellow reached the low of 5.40 $/bu during January-

2014. Since then, price has recovered substantially to currently

traded level of 8.45 $/bu as on February-18-2015.

In the short-term, peas yellow is likely to move higher towards 9

$/bu. But to maintain the current bullishness it has to stay well

above 9 $/bu for at least two consecutive weeks on closing basis.

In that scenario expect yellow peas to move higher in the region

of 10 and 10.5 $/bu.

Support is seen in the region of 7 and 6.5 $/bu. Overall peas is

expected to trade in the broader region of 6.5 and 10.5 $/bu and

this is valid till Q3 of 2015.

In the chart yellow peas seems to be following four year cycle.

First cycle - Jan-2006 to March-2010

Second cycle – April-2010 to Jan-2014

Third cycle is in progress since Jan-2014

From the weekly chart, one can infer that the current overall

bullishness is likely to stay at least till Q1 of 2016, before it starts

to reverse its trend to complete the four year cycle probably in

Q4 of 2017. If our assumption is indeed true then peas yellow is

likely to retest March-2008 high of 11.38 $/bu before Q1 of 2016.

........................................................................................................

Disclaimer:The mentioned ideologies in this report are based on the research done at Foretell Business Solutions Private Limited, Bangalore. Foretell will not be responsible for any kind of losses incurred by any party either directly or indirectly based on our research results, though we have presented the best of our knowledge.


Pulses markets and trade in IndiaGaurav Bagdai, Tha. Gopaldas Popatlal, General merchant and commission agent, India

Introduce about your company briefly?

Myself Gaurav G Bagdai representing G P Agri Brokers and Tha

Gopaldas Popatlal Rajkot, dealing in pulses specially in Desi

Chick Peas and Kabuli Chick Peas Broking and trading business

at Rajkot Marketing Yard for 25 years.

What type of Pulses your agency is trading in Indian and

international Market?

Desi Chickpeas & Kabuli Chickpeas are the pulses which we are

trading in Indian and International markets.

What are the customer preferences in Domestic and

International market for the Indian pulses?

Domestic Market- Rates & Quality

International Market – Rates, Quality & Regulatory

requirements viz. certification etc.

How the Gujarat market is being influenced by the neighboring

states supply and demand factors?

Gujarat is a major consumer state of India of pulses especially

Desi Chickpeas, Moong, Toor, Urad & Yellow Peas (as whole,

Dall and Flour ) Demand of such pulses are higher viz. its

production and hence majority of the demand is being met with

neighbouring states such as Maharashtra, MP, Rajasthan. Pricing

is primarily influenced by supply from such neighbouring states

also.

What are the major constraints Indian buyers are facing while

importing pulses?

Mostly importes are not facing any major constraint now a days.

Yes clearance of Methyle Promide certificate is taking too much

time and some harrassment are there for clearance.

What is the current scenario of the branded and unbranded

pulses market in Gujarat and India?

Market share of Branded players are growing in the local market

at phenomenal phase and hence the local brands are geared

up in value addition of packaging etc. Large corporates players

are making their present felt and their share are growing,

Adani Wilmar, Reliance, Future Group, Metro & Tata’s are the

corporate houses making their mark in the organized pulses

market. Branded players's market share is around 5% and

growing at the average rate of 10 % per year.

Which pulses are locally demanded pulses in Gujarat? And

whether the local pulses demand and supply channel is

smoothly flowing or there are some disturbances? If there is

some disturbances then what are the key factors and if not

then which are the factors that are supporting the supply and

demand flow?

Chickpeas, Tuver, Moong , Yellow Peas are the pulses in demand

at Gujarat. Though agro climatic conditions are conducive for

such crops, farmers at Gujarat are primarily have preference

towards Cotton & Oilseeds. Due to such preference of farmers

in Gujarat, the market is continues under constrains of supply

side from neighboring states.

Is there any new policy that is changing the Gujarat market

structure or Indian Pulses market structure? If yes, then

elaborate it in few lines?

Presently, there is ban on exports of the pulses. Now in light of

lifting of the Ban, there could be substantial rise in pricing of

the pulses in local market and that could lead the farmers to

be attracted towards it. Additionally, presently there is ZERO

import duty on import of pulses, and change in the structure

can significantly influence the local market.

The current market scenario of Gujarat is traditional or some

new pulses are being emerging? If emerging then please name

the variety/type of pulses and please specify the demand in

the local market.

Yellow peas are slowly and gradually making its place in Gujarat

Pulses Market. It has been well accepted in the market of North

East India. Favorable pricing and adoption to the taste are major

factor in emerging Yellow peas as new pulses in local market.

Outlook of Rabi Pulses 2015-Chickpeas, lentils & Peas.

We expect production of 5 Million MT of Desi Chickpeas & 0.4

Million MT of Kabuli Chickpeas, 0.6 Million MT Lentils and 0.5

Million MT Yellow Peas in Rabi 2015

.......................................................................................................




Pulses Imports of India

Peas

Country

Values in US$ Million Quantity in tonnes

2013-14 2014-15 2013-14 2014-15 AUSTRALIA 38 25 82429 54576CANADA 404 529 939227 1287719MYANMAR 3 1 4308 1385RUSSIA 62 28 147234 70642UKRAINE 9 22 20314 54250U S A 59 79 111429 174301Others 10 2 25485 4887Total 585 686 1330426 1647761

Red Gram

CountryValues in US$

Million Quantity in tonnes

2013-14 2014-15 2013-14 2014-15

AFGHANISTAN TIS 0 0 96 528

AUSTRALIA 0 0 95 92KENYA 5 3 8370 4028MALAWI 12 26 21103 36657MYANMAR 162 172 239336 232111MOZAMBIQUE 39 39 68474 55819

TANZANIA REP 73 72 127868 98356

Others 0 12 480 16263Total 291 324 465342 427592

Chickpeas



2013-14 2014-15 2013-14 2014-15 AUSTRALIA 84 73 169647 135750CANADA 1 2 821 4304ETHIOPIA 0 2 480 4939MYANMAR 12 9 17675 12248MEXICO 0 3 24 2266RUSSIA 26 53 62886 116352TANZANIA REP 11 7 21669 14975TURKEY 0 1 50 2370U S A 1 9 1298 9597Others 1 3 1580 6913Total 136 163 276131 309713

Lentils

CountryValues in US$ Million Quantity in tonnes

2013-14 2014-15 2013-14 2014-15

AUSTRALIA 46 39 69874 50484

CANADA 352 307 562250 461197

U S A 45 61 75861 96134

Others 1 1 723 1224

Total 445 408 708708 609039

Green & Black gram



2013-14 2014-15 2013-14 2014-15

AFGHANISTAN TIS 6 3 6644 2505

ARGENTINA 4 4 3896 3463AUSTRALIA 20 4 19085 3327CANADA 1 0 2369 54CHINA P RP 2 0 1452 25ETHIOPIA 0 3 188 2679INDONESIA 0 3 42 2085KENYA 21 5 22202 5250MALAYSIA 0 0 240 240MYANMAR 359 393 517110 428736MOZAMBIQUE 9 7 10063 7856TANZANIA REP 23 33 26446 32922THAILAND 0 1 160 624

UGANDA 0 0 103 364

U S A 1 0 1736 132UZBEKISTAN 11 9 10753 7682Others 2 2 1743 1920

Total 468 624232 499865 0

Kidney Beans


MillionQuantity in tonnes

2013-14 2014-15 2013-14 2014-15 CHINA P RP 70 52 47759 47025ETHIOPIA 13 10 16447 12018KENYA 4 3 4559 3794MYANMAR 11 7 9834 6595MEXICO 1 6 886 5924TANZANIA

REP 1 3 1495 3367

U S A 5 1 4839 1031Others 2 2 2421 2365Total 109 84 88240 82118

Red Beans

Country

Values in US$

MillionQuantity in tonnes

2013-14 2014-15 2013-14 2014-15

BRAZIL 1.93 17.68 2,658.00 26,023.21CHINA P RP 0.39 0.17 371.15 150ETHIOPIA 0.22 0.28 262 372

MADAGASCAR 1.76 6.07 2,744.50 7,947.40MYANMAR 2.94 7.50 3,922.30 11,278.52MOZAMBIQUE 0.08 0.08 138 141U S A 0.05 0.21 40 144Others 0.52 0.05 941 67.74Total 7.89 32.04 11,076.95 46,123.87

Note: 2014-15 year = Apr 2014- Dec 2014


Note: ANN=Jul-June

Ranking based on prior 4 annual market year* totals

Dried

austrian

winter peas

2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

ANN ANN ANN ANN Dec YTD

India 7,250 990 0

Taiwan 1,260 2,032 1,432 459 513

Japan 470 510 368 541

China 159 0 0 129 1,207

Total 1,889 2,542 9,050 2,119 1,720

Dried split

peas ANN ANN ANN ANN Dec YTD

Kenya 41,353 21,132 44,149 6,231 0

Ethiopia 22,418 44,883 21,533 6,523 8,357

Peru 16,984 20,467 26,655 12,930 16,445

Pakistan 13,793 15,302 31,197 4,421 703

Djibouti 3,356 7,246 9,628 6,010 9,477

Other

Countries91,827 52,270 57,606 97,174 16,947

Total 189,731 161,300 190,768 133,289 51,929

Dried whole

green peas ANN ANN ANN Dec YTD Dec YTD

India 113,493 114,195 115,399 79,543 102,234

China 24,726 16,351 52,560 62,023 42,350

Philippines 31,200 30,501 16,470 17,036 13,609

Canada 25,950 11,680 13,893 19,295 8,620

Colombia 11,006 2,220 9,948 3,635 3,958

Other

Countries65,740 46,396 55,812 116,154 38,386

Total 272,115 221,343 264,082 297,686 209,157

Dried whole

yellow peas ANN ANN ANN Dec YTD Dec YTD

India 96,141 617 112,487 80,484 217,477

China 51,470 3,912 7,829 33,134 58,742

Pakistan 33,941 0 19,535 1,421 0

Indonesia 20,905 1,507 8,431 677 1,553

South Africa 16,490 0 10,781 3,049 1,759

Other

Countries49,330 50,858 61,762 66,768 15,348

Total 268,277 56,894 220,825 185,533 294,879

U.S. Pulses export destinations by

volume (1,000 pounds)

Country wise export quantity of

Canadian pulses (‘000’ metric tonnes)

Peas 2014-15*

2013-2014

10-Yr Average

Western Hemisphere

United States 35.8 53.6 13.2

Mexico 2.1 6.1 2.8

Cuba 53.9 39.3 61.1

Colombia - - 14.5

Asia

India 839.8 865.1 1,025.7

Kuwait - 4.8 4.8

United Arab Emirates 11.0 50.3 23.3

China P.R. 285.0 547.4 307.4

Indonesia - 11.0 11.0

Bangladesh 212.7 206.7 192.4

Pakistan - - 47.4

Malaysia - - 36.2

Turkey - - 16.4

Nepal - - 20.9

Western Europe

Belgium - 63.7 28.0

Spain 4.1 - 189.6

Germany - - 11.3

Norway - - 28.9

Denmark - - 22.6

Italy - - 7.5

France - - 8.1

Netherlands - - 10.6

Africa Algeria - 13.8

Total 1,848.0 1,780.3

Lentils 2014-15*

2013-2014

2012-2013

9-Yr Average

Western Hemisphere

United States 7.0 13.4 2.9 4.4

Mexico 13.7 11.6 0.3 3.1 Colombia - - 14.1

AfricaEgypt 33.7 40.0 - 22.3 Algeria - - 7.9

AsiaTurkey 141.6 203.5 36.5 102.3 Bangladesh 36.4 38.4 20.6 18.0 India 103.8 133.5 171.2 93.6

Western Europe

Italy - 0.4 0.4 Belgium - - 1.8 Spain - - 10.7

Total 440.3 231.9 139.2


Trends in balance sheet of Urad/Black matpe in India(Million tonnes)

Year Open stocks Production Imports Total

Supply Consumption Closing Stocks

2010-11 0.11 1.76 0.32 2.27 1.8 0.47

2011-12 0.47 1.81 0.42 2.53 1.9 0.63

2012-13 0.63 1.9 0.46 2.99 2.08 0.91

2013-14 0.91 1.7 0.4 3.01 2.05 0.96

2014-15 0.96 1.61 0.4 2.97 2.15 0.82

Trends in balance sheet of Moong/Green gram in India (Million tonnes)

Year Open stocks Production Imports Supply Consumption Stock

2010-11 0.07 1.8 0.18 2.05 1.94 0.11

2011-12 0.11 1.63 0.23 1.97 1.78 0.19

2012-13 0.19 1.19 0.18 1.56 1.34 0.22

2013-14 0.22 1.61 0.2 2.03 1.43 0.6

2014-15 0.6 1.39 0.2 2.19 1.5 0.69

Trends in balance sheet of total Pulses in India(Million tonnes)

Year 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Production 14.70 18.24 17.21 18.34 19.78 18.43

Export 0.13 0.21 0.18 0.20 0.34 0.23

Import 3.76 2.78 3.50 3.84 3.65 3.41

Total availability 18.34 20.81 20.53 21.98 23.09 21.06

Demand 18.29 19.08 19.91 20.90 21.77 23.00

Trends in balance sheet of Gram in India (Million tonnes)

Year Opening Stocks Production Import Consumption

Closing

Stocks2010-11 0.5 8.22 0.1 8.521 0.32011-12 0.3 7.7 0.21 7.956 0.252012-13 0.25 8.83 0.7 9.527 0.262013-14 0.26 9.53 0.28 9.12 0.95

2014-15SAE 0.95 8.28 0.28 9.1 0.41

Trends in balance sheet of Tur/Red gram in India (Million tonnes)

Year Opening stocks Production Imports Exports Consumption Closing

stocks

2010-11 0.3 2.86 0.35 0 3.283 0.22

2011-12 0.22 2.65 0.47 0.001 3.272 0.067

2012-13 0.067 3.02 0.51 0.002 3.294 0.301

2013-14 0.301 3.17 0.47 0 3.356 0.585

2014-15 0.585 2.75 0.47 0 3.402 0.403

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, GoI, Export Import Data Bank, Ministry of Commerce & Industry

Canada’s Total Pulses (in million tons)

Year 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

Production 5.72 4.55 5.68 6.88 6.07 6.72

Export 4.79 3.78 4.95 5.24 5.27 5.18

Import 0.17 0.12 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.13

Total availability 7.06 6.16 7.07 7.66 6.84 7.20

Domestic Demand 0.78 1.30 1.47 1.81 1.25 1.32

Carry out stocks 1.49 1.08 0.64 0.63 0.36 0.72

Source: www.agr.gc.ca

Total Pulses in Australia (in ‘000’ tons)

Year 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Production 1666.01 1715.74 1997.37 1591.68 1596.60 1501.89

Export 998.97 952.56 1216.87 1476.48 846.93 845.70Import 3.76 2.78 3.50 3.84 3.65 3.41Total availability

18.34 20.81 20.53 21.98 23.09 21.06

Demand 18.29 19.08 19.91 20.90 21.77 23.00Source: www.agriculture.gov.au


INDIA

Name of the firm: Sreenidhi Impexp

Contact Person: Ms. Babitha Chintala

Address: 47/5, Air India Colony, Kalina

Santa Cruz East

Mumbai-40029

Maharashtra, India

Phone no: 91-22-26157902/91 - 9892616337

Fax no: 91-22-26157902

Email: [email protected]/[email protected]

[email protected]

Website: www.sreenidhiimpexp.com

.....................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Rite food products

Contact Person: Mr. Eish Garg

Address: 1006, EcoStar, Behind Udipi Rest.

Off Aarey Road

Goregaon (East)

Mumbai - 400063

Maharashtra, India

Phone no: 91-22-29272018/19

Mobile: 09820214770


Website: www.Ritefood.com

.....................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Himatlal Hirji & Co

Address: D-7, APMC Market 2, Danabunder, Vashi

Navi Mumbai 400703

Maharashtra India

Phone no: +91-22-27831379


Website: www.ehhco.com

.....................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Indentors.in group

contact Person: Rasesh Tanna

Address: 57/59 Kazi Sayed Street

Garud Chambers, 1st Floor

Mumbai - 400003

MaharashtraIndia

Phone no: 91-22-23423122/91-22-23424449

Fax no: 91-22-23427627


Website: www.indentors.in

.....................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Shri Enterprise

Contact Name: Mr. Hitesh Sayta

Address: 504, Jolly Bhavan No:1, 10, New Marine lines

Mumbai: 400 020

Phone nos. : +91 22 2200 8866 / +91 22 2200 2131 / +91 22

2200 4828


Skype id: hiteshsayta

Website: www.shrienterprise.com

.....................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Lalji Hirji & Sons

Contact person: Mr.Navinchandra Lalji Nandu (Partner)

Address: NO. D-5/6, APMC MARKET-II, PHASE-II, SANPADA

Navi Mumbai - 400703,

Maharashtra, India

Phone no:91-22-41558000

Fax no: 91-22-41558045

Mobile no: 9820097116


.....................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Tirupati food Industries Pvt. Ltd.

Address: B-17, Lawrence Road, Industrial Area,

Delhi - 110035, India

Phone no: 91-11-27152547/27180952/27152561

Fax no: 91-11-27152547/27180952

.....................................................................................................

Name of the Firm: Paramanand & Sons Food Products Pvt.Ltd

Contact Person: Mr.Puneet

A-23/1,Lawrence Road Indl.Area, Delhi-110035(INDIA)

Phone no: +91-11-27188883, 271888884

Mobile no: +91-9911199966

Fax no: +91-11-27194220


Website: www.panbrand.org

.....................................................................................................

MYANMAR

Name of the firm: Sun Impex

Address: Olymphic Tower

8th Floor/802, Bo Aung Kyaw Street

Kyauktada Township Yangon, Myanmar

Email: sales@sunimpex/[email protected]

Website: www.sunimpex.biz

.....................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Pyai Phyo Aung Co., Ltd

Contact Person: Mr. aung myat ko - Director

Address: 74, War tan st,

Yangon, Myanmar

Phone no: (+95-1) 228584, (+95-1) 223097, (+95-1) 211124

Fax no: (+95-1) 211821


Website: www.ppagroups.com

.....................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Myawaddy Trading Limited

Address: No.55/61, STRAND ROAD,

SEIKKAN TOWNSHIP, YANGON.

UNION OF MYANMAR.

Phone no: 95-01-373255,237265,373267,373291

Fax no: 95-01-373257


Website: www.myawaddytrade.com

.....................................................................................................


Name of the Firm: Phoenix Myanmar Co., Ltd

Contact person: Mohammed Imran

Address: 28/30, Banya Dala Street,

Mingala Thungnyunt Township. Yangon [MYANMAR]

Phone no: 95 1 290762

Fax no: 95 1 294046

.......................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Ziwaka Trading company Ltd

Address: No. 262/286, Room-2, Ground Floor, Konzaydan Street,

Pabedan Township, Yangon, Myanmar.

Phone No: (+951) 246412, 243425, 384093, 384835, (+959)

5004982, 5021318

Fax no: (+951) 253234


Website: www.ziwaka.com

.......................................................................................................

Name of the Firm: Mani Zaw Ta Co., Ltd & Maharnadi

Contact Person: U Zaw Hlaing/ U Zaw Min

Address: Block 5,# 03-201, Thirimon Plaza 5th street,

Mayangon Township, Yangon,

The republic of the union of Myanmar.

Phone no: (+95) 01 9688923

Fax no: (+95) 01 683150

HP: (+95) 09 5130808, 09 5108575

Email : [email protected]

Website: www.manizawta.com

.......................................................................................................

Name of the firm: New Golden Gate

Address: No. 46, 19th Street, Latha Township, Yangon, Myanmar.

Phone no: 95-1-382320.

Fax no: 95-1-382331.


Website: www.agribizmm.com

.......................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Great Luck Co., Ltd

Address:119 Lower Kyeemyindaing Road, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)

Phone no: 95 1 214533, 215556, 215589

Fax nO: 95 1 215589, 214533


Website: www.greatluckmm.com

.......................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Silver Top Star Co., Ltd.

Address: No.(219),12th St, 1st Ward Thamine,Mayangone Tsp, Yangon.

Phone no: 95-1-95408243,

Fax no: 95-1-522765


Website: www.silvertopstar.com

.......................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Super Soe Company Limited

Contact person: U Soe Lwin @ S.KAYAMBU - Managing Director

No.83, Yegyaw Road,

Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township,

Yangon, Myanmar.

Phone no: (+95-1) 293 063, 203 430, 203 411

Fax no: (+95-1) 299 955


Website: www.supersoeexoporter.com

.......................................................................................................

Name of the firm: U Kyu Family Grains and Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

Address: No. 17/19 Hledan Street,

Lanmadaw Township,Yangon, Myanmar.

Phone no: 951- 226108, 211011

Fax no: 951- 226047, 227423

Email: [email protected]/[email protected].

mm, [email protected]

Website: www.uqfamilyflourmill.com

.......................................................................................................

CANADA

Name of the Firm: Agrocorp Exports Ltd.

Address:5 Parkshore Drive

Brampton

Ontario, L6T 5M1

Canada

Phone no: 905.458.4551

Fax no: 905.458.4055


.......................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Agricom International Inc.

Address: 213-828 Harbourside Drive

North Vancouver, BC, Canada

V7P 3R9


Phone no: 604-983-6922

Fax no: 604-983-6923

.......................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Agrican International

Address: 45 Gardiner Ave,

Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 4P5

Phone no: +1 306 205 6755

Fax no: +1 306 205 6756

E-mail:[email protected]/[email protected]

Website: www.agri-can.ca

......................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Belle Pulses Ltd

Contact Person: Tony Gaudet

Box 65Bellevue, Sask.

S0K 3Y0

Phone no: 306-423-5202

Fax no:306-423-6212


.......................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Cheemat Trading Co

Address: Regina, Canada

Phone no: 306-501-6799


Website: www.cheematrading.ca

.......................................................................................................


Name of the firm: Monaco Traders Inc.

Contact Person: Mr. Naresh Verma

Address: 3336 155 St Surrey, Bc V3s 0g4, Canada

Phone no: +1-604-5357080/

Mobile: +1-604-880-4488


Website: www.monacotraders.com

.......................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Zeghers Seed Inc

Contact Person: Clément Hacault. - Sales Manager

Box 426Holland, Manitoba, Canada R0G 0X0

Office: 204 526 2145

Hm. office: 204 255 4303

Mobile: 204 799 2762


Website: www.zeghersseed.com

.......................................................................................................

USA

Name of the firm: Central Valley Ag. Exports, Inc.

Contact Person: Didier Vivies - Chief Executive Officer

Address: 345 East Tulare Avenue, Suite D

Visalia, CA 93292

Website: www.cvae-inc.com

Phone no: 559-734-1754

Fax no: 559-734-0754

.......................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Columbia Grain Inc.

Contact Person: Jeff Van Pevenage

(Senior Vice President/General Manager)

Address:900 2nd Avenue North

Great Falls, Montana 59401

Phone no: 406-453-6506

Website: www.columbiagrain.com

.......................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Inland Empire Milling Co., Inc.

Contact Person: David Schauble/JR Drayage LLC

Address: 226 S. Donald Ave.

Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Phone no: (847) 749-3834 Office

Fax No: (847) 749-1053

Mobile no: (509) 953-2537


Website: www.iemc.com

.......................................................................................................

Name of the firm: JP Westam Export Inc.

Address:18323 Bothell-Everett Hwy.

Suite #350, Bothell, WA 98012

Phone no: 425.481.2913

Fax no:. 425.949.1724

Mobile no: 425.753.2900


Website: www.jpwestam.co

.......................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Steele & Company

Contact Person:Candy Willett

Address:4956 Stewart Road

PO Box 800

Sterling MI 48659

Phone no: 989-654-2717

Fax no: 989-654-3329

Mobile no: 509-869-6424

Email: [email protected].......................................................................................................

Name of the firm:Tumac Commodities

Address: 805 SW Broadway, Suite 1500

Portland, Oregon 97205 USA

Phone no: 1-800-925-7993/ 503-226-6661


AUSTRALIA

Name of the firm: PARSRAM BROTHERS

Address:724 Curtin Avenue East, Eagle Farm, Qld. 4009. Australia

Phone no: +61 7 3632 7400

Fax no: 61 7 3632 7466


Website: ww.parsram.com.......................................................................................................

Name of the firm: PARSRAM BROTHERS

Address: 724 Curtin Avenue East, Eagle Farm, Qld. 4009.

Australia

Phone no: +61 7 3632 7400 /

Fax no: +61 7 3632 7466


Website: www.parsram.com.......................................................................................................

SOUTH AFRICA

Name of the firm: Agrilis (Pty) Ltd

Address: 2 Lategan Street - Hout Bay, Western Cape 7806

Phone no: 021 790 4536

Fax No: 021 790 3196 !


TURKEY

Name of the firm: Istanbul Agro

Address: Kazanlı Mahallesi Cumhuriyet Bulvarı no:71 mersin/

TURKEY

Tel no: +903244514030

Fax no: +903244514030


skype: istanbulagro.......................................................................................................

Name of the firm: Hatti Food

Address: Manas Bulv. Adalet Mah. No: 47 Folkart Towers A Kule

D:3509 TR-35530 Bayrakli / Izmir – TURKEY

Phone no: 0090-232-489 39 73

Fax no: 0090-232-489 39 58


Documents

Pulses research and development strategies for india