World import demand for pulses fell to 21.4 million tonnes (mt) in calendar year 2024 due to the declines in dry peas and lentils volumes. This was mentioned in a joint statement issued by the International Grains Council (IGC), India Middle East Agri Alliance (IMEAA), and Bharat Subcontinent Agri Foundation (BSAF) as part of the World Pulses Day on February 10.
The World Pulses Day aims to highlight the crucial role that pulses play in creating sustainable and resilient food systems. Pulses play a vital role as a staple in several regions, with expanding world trade set to continue contributing to global food security.
The statement said that global trade has expanded by more than one-third in the last decade. “In 2024 (Jan-December), world import demand fell slightly year-on-year, to 21.4 mt, largely on declines in dry peas and lentils volumes, but were still above average. While a contraction in dry peas trade was tied to smaller shipments to China and the EU, outweighing strong demand in Indian buyers, the fall in lentils volumes reflected reduced purchases by importers in South Asia and Near East Asia,” it said.
While combined pulses production (spanning dry peas, lentils, chickpeas and broad beans) continues to expand, more initiatives are required to cope with the challenges faced by the sector, it said.
Against this backdrop, IGC will hold a dedicated workshop on June 10 in London – as part of the IGC Grains Conference – to assess the role that policy can and should play.
It said that the IGC is also exploring collaborative efforts with IMEAA and BSAF.
The statement said the IMEAA has made a resolute pledge and an emphatic declaration to drive the widespread adoption of pulses. This commitment aims to accelerate agriculture’s transition toward a low-carbon, regenerative model.
“By paying more attention to pulses, we are not just cultivating crop – we are cultivating a future global food system that is more sustainable, resilient, and food-secure,” it added.