Pulses: growers must recognise potential
September 11, 2024 at 4:49 PM ,
Der AUDITOR
Pulses are becoming increasingly relevant
In addition to the fact that pulses are an inexpensive source of protein, they are becoming increasingly important in the food industry as an important basis for plant-based meat and dairy substitutes. Global production of pulses is estimated at 100 million mt, 40% of which is accounted for by chickpeas, peas and lentils. International trade in pulses has risen by 29% since 2015, which corresponds to average annual growth of around 3%. The International Grains Council estimates that the global trade in pulses will reach 21 million mt in 2024, meaning that a good fifth of the total crop will be exported. Dried peas, chickpeas and lentils account for 68% of this trade volume.
Canada and Australia are important markets for international trade, with Canadian traders focussing on dried peas and lentils, while Australia mainly trades in chickpeas and lentils. However, other countries, such as Turkey, are able to secure ever larger shares of international trade. Turkey has become one of the most important processing and distribution centres for pulses in the Middle East and North Africa, while Russia is increasing its exports of dried peas and Argentinian exporters are shipping a wide variety of beans overseas.
Turkey wants to increase market share
TİM Grain, Pulses, Oilseeds and Products Sector CEO Ahmet Tiryakioğlu pointed to the fact that red lentil export prices have increased by 5% this year in dollar terms and stated that the 8-month revenue for this product amounts to USD 300 million.
"The quality of red lentils produced in Şanlıurfa, Diyarbakır and Mardin is above world standards. Since there is a high annual consumption of 4-5 kilograms per person in our country, the domestic crop largely meets the domestic market. Red lentils brought from countries such as Canada, Kazakhstan and Russia within the scope of the Inward Processing Regime are also exported from Turkey. We need more lentil production to strengthen our position in the world pulse market and to be more competitive in food trade”, said Tiryakioğlu. “The support policies implemented by our Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry increased red lentil planting areas by 23.3% last year. We expect our farmers to see the potential and focus on this area, considering the increasing demand for pulses in the world every year".
“Estimates for global agricultural production indicate that there will be decreases in lentil and chickpea production this year compared to last year”, says Tiryakioğlu. “It is thought that the negative weather conditions experienced in producer countries such as Canada and India are effective in this decrease exceeding 3% in the production of both products. However, we are having a very fruitful year in dried bean production both in the world and in Turkey. According to our estimates, we will increase our total dried bean production by 12.5% this year to 270.000 mt. With the effect of the expected increases in production in the new season, pulses will be at the top of the list among the products that contribute to the fight against inflation”, he adds.
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