As the world celebrates World Pulses Day 2025 on February 10, the spotlight turns to the vital role pulses play in global food security, sustainability, and nutrition. With expanding global trade, increasing awareness of their health benefits, and growing applications in feed and processing sectors, pulses continue to shape resilient food systems worldwide.
The International Grains Council (IGC) reports that global pulses trade has surged by more than one-third over the past decade, driven by population growth and dietary shifts favoring plant-based nutrition. In 2024, total world import demand for pulses reached 21.4 million tonnes, marking a slight year-on-year decline due to reductions in dry pea and lentil shipments. While Chinese and European demand for dry peas softened, Indian buyers remained a strong market force. Meanwhile, reduced lentil purchases from South and Near East Asia contributed to the overall dip in trade volumes.
PRODUCTION ON THE RISE BUT CHALLENGES REMAIN
Despite trade fluctuations, global pulses production remains robust. In the 2024/25 season, combined output of dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, and broad beans is projected to grow 4% year-on-year to reach 46.6 million tonnes. However, experts highlight the need for more policy-driven initiatives to support the sector amid logistical and climate-related challenges.
POLICY AND MARKET TRANSPARENCY AT THE FOREFRONT
In recognition of these trends, the IGC will host a dedicated workshop on June 10, 2025, in London, as part of its annual IGC Grains Conference. This event will explore the role of policy interventions in supporting market transparency, production resilience, and global trade efficiency.
As part of its commitment to market intelligence, the IGC plans to expand its extensive database on supply and demand, offering deeper analytical insights into dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, and broad beans.
STRATEGIC ALLIANCES TO DRIVE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
Beyond data and policy, strategic partnerships are emerging as key drivers of sustainable pulses trade. The IGC is exploring collaborations with the India Middle East Agri Alliance (IMEAA) and the Bharat Subcontinent Agri Foundation, which collectively represent over 30,000 stakeholders in sustainable agriculture. “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,” the IGC stated in its joint press release with the IMEAA on World Pulses Day 2025.