GLOBAL
PULSE CONVENTION - INTERNATIONAL
News:
India to host global meet
on pulses after 18 years
What's
in the news?
●
India is set to be the world’s largest producer of lentil (masur)
this year on the back of an expected surge in production estimated at 1.6
million tonnes (mt).
●
Lentil production in Canada, the top
player in the global market, is projected at around 1.5mt and in Australia at
1.4mt.
Pulses
as a superfood in India:
●
India
is the largest producer and consumer of pulses globally.
●
Pulses are considered to be a superfood
because of their nutritional benefits,
ability to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and suitability for
cultivation in arid conditions with minimal water.
Global
Pulse Convention:
●
The Global Pulse Convention, jointly
organized by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of
India Ltd. (NAFED) and the Global
Pulse Confederation (GPC), is set to
take place in New Delhi in February.
Participants:
●
The event will gather around 800
representatives from governments, commercial entities, and non-profit
organizations involved in pulse production and processing.
Aim:
●
The convention aims to facilitate knowledge sharing among
experts, stakeholders, and policymakers.
Significance:
●
Pulses are significant in sustainable food systems.
●
The convention will focus on promoting
pulses as smart crops and is expected to attract participants from over 40
countries.
Global
Pulse Confederation (GPC):
●
Formerly known as CICILS IPTIC, GPC represents all
segments of the pulse industry value chain from growers, researchers,
logistics suppliers, traders, exporters and importers to government bodies,
multilateral organizations, processors, canners and consumers.
Members:
●
Its membership includes 24 national
associations and over 600 private sector members.
●
GPC is based in Dubai and licensed by the
Dubai Multi Commodity Centre (DMCC).
●
India
is a member.
○
Mr. Vijay Iyengar is the current President
of GPC.
India
Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA):
●
IPGA is the apex body representing India’s
pulses and grains industry and trade.
Registration:
●
Registered in Mumbai under Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013, it
boasts a membership of over 400, including regional pulse industry
associations, reaching over 10,000 stakeholders across the value chain.
Aim:
●
IPGA aims to globally enhance the competitiveness of India’s pulses and grains industry, contributing
to the nation’s food and nutrition security.
Functions
and Working:
●
Since 2011, IPGA has engaged with Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Ministries to
advocate for policy amendments, including the incorporation of pulses into the
Public Distribution System and the Food Security Act.
●
Additionally, it has worked towards
allowing free exports of all pulses and ensuring trading at Minimum Support
Price (MSP), with government intervention if trading prices drop.
●
IPGA also monitors foreign trade in pulses and grains, offering
forward-looking guidance to aid the government in policy formulation.