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IGC spotlights World Pulses Day with insights into global trade and sustainability

22 February 20242 min reading

In celebration of World Pulses Day on February 10, the International Grains Council (IGC) has underscored the vital role that pulses play in global food systems. Highlighting the robust demand for pulses, the IGC reports that world pulses trade in 2023 (Jan/Dec) reached an estimated 20.3 million tonnes. As a significant extension of their commitment to advancing knowledge and awareness, the IGC has announced a pivotal event within the framework of the IGC Grains Conference 2024.

World Pulses Day is celebrated on 10 February of each year, providing a unique opportunity to recognise the importance and potential of pulses in global food systems. Not only are they a rich source of proteins, minerals, vitamins and fibre, pulses can play a fundamental role in promoting sustainable agriculture, especially in light of their low water requirement and nitrogen fixing capacity.

Pulses occupy a centrally important position in the work of the International Grains Council (IGC), with regular monthly world supply and demand analysis of markets for dry peas, lentils, chickpeas and broad beans key in building market transparency. In addition, the Secretariat also provides daily and weekly updates on prices, as well as news and policy developments. 

As part of the upcoming IGC Grains Conference 2024, a dedicated commodity workshop on June 12 in London will explore the near-term prospects for global pulse consumption. The conference aims to delve into the growing importance of pulses in meeting the demands of a changing world.

Highlighting the robust demand for pulses, the IGC reports that world pulses trade in 2023 (Jan/Dec) reached an estimated 20.3 million tonnes, marking an 11% year-on-year increase. Leading the surge were dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas. Despite a projected 4% year-on-year decrease in world imports in 2024, down to 19.5 million tonnes, demand is anticipated to remain above normal.

Asia continues to drive global trade in pulses, yet the IGC notes that consumption is on the rise in other regions, including Europe and the Americas. Looking into the medium-term future, the Council predicts a further expansion in world import demand, driven by the food, feed, and processed sectors.


World Pulses Day, pulses, Sustainable Agriculture, drypeas, lentils, chickpeas, pulses trade, IGC Grains Conference 2024 

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