At this year’s Global Grain Geneva conference, pulses took center stage as a special topic for the first time, underscoring their growing importance in sustainable agriculture and food security. Diana Sarungbam, Market Analyst at the International Grains Council (IGC), provided an in-depth analysis of the global market for pulses, highlighting their expanding role in food systems worldwide. Sarungbam noted that pulses—nutrient-rich crops such as chickpeas, lentils, dry peas, and broad beans—are high in protein and fiber while offering significant environmental benefits. These crops fix atmospheric nitrogen, require fewer inputs compared to many grains, and serve as a cost-effective, sustainable source of protein. Over the past decade, global production of pulses has increased by more than one-third, with output projected to reach 47 million tons in the 2024/25 season.
On the consumption front, demand for pulses has grown by 30% over the last ten years, driven by population growth, rising incomes, increased awareness of health benefits, and a shift toward plant-based diets. By 2024/25, consumption is expected to hit 46 million tons, with their use not only as a staple food but also as an ingredient in animal feed continuing to expand. India remains both the largest producer and consumer of pulses globally.
Sarungbam also emphasized Asia’s dominant role in global trade. In 2023, cumulative imports in the region reached 22 million tons, with South Asia alone accounting for approximately 30% of global imports annually. This trend is expected to continue in 2024. On the export side, Canada remains the leading supplier of pulses, particularly to markets in China, Turkey, the UAE, and the United States. While Australia has traditionally been a key player, it has recently been surpassed by Russia, which became the second-largest exporter in 2023 and is poised to maintain this position into 2024.
Despite these gains, Sarungbam highlighted several challenges faced by the pulses sector. A lack of transparency, the absence of a futures market, market fragmentation, and inconsistent quality standards continue to hinder efficient price discovery and benchmarking. To address these issues, the International Grains Council included pulses in its definition of grains starting in November 2021. Since then, the IGC has worked to enhance its supply-and-demand analysis and pricing coverage for pulses, aiming to support the sector’s development and foster greater global trade.
CANADA’S PULSE INDUSTRY
Janelle Whitley, Senior Director of Market Access and Trade Policy at Pulse Canada, discussed the dynamic pulse market and its growing role in global agriculture. While pulses are crucial for Canada’s agricultural sector, they still account for just 10% of the crop acreage in the country. However, the production of pulses has seen remarkable growth, with an expected 6.4 million tonnes in 2024—an impressive increase compared to previous decades, driven by both private and association-led programs that encourage farmers to incorporate pulses into their crop rotations.
The 2024 growing season, however, faced several challenges. Dry conditions during the spring months in key growing regions dampened early optimism about yields. Despite some late-season rainfall, the overall conditions were hot and dry, leading to reduced production potential. As a result, pulse supplies are expected to be smaller than in 2022, particularly for crops like peas, lentils, and chickpeas.
Looking at specific crops, pea production is projected to rise by 20% in 2024, reaching 3.2 million tonnes. Lentil production, on the other hand, is expected to jump by 44%, reaching 2.6 million tonnes. While chickpea production is smaller in scale, estimated at 327,000 tonnes, Canada continues to play a key role in the global market.
The global pulse market is shaped significantly by demand from countries like India and China. In the coming years, China’s import policies and Russia’s market strategies will be vital in determining market direction. For chickpeas, the U.S. remains Canada’s second-largest export market.
India is the largest importer of Canadian lentils, with tariff-free access granted until at least March 2025. This policy will continue to support strong demand from India, and countries such as Turkey, the UAE, and parts of the Middle East and Africa also present growth opportunities. However, the pulse market faces uncertainties due to policy changes in India.
MIDDLE EAST EMERGES AS KEY PULSE HUB
Sudhakar Tomar, President of India Middle East Agri Alliance (IMEAA), addressed the Global Grain Geneva conference, sharing insights on the pulse markets in India and the Middle East, which are key players in shaping global pulse trade. Tomar highlighted India’s protective domestic market policies, such as the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system, aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in pulses. However, these policies create volatility in the pulse market, as they are frequently adjusted to meet government priorities. Sustainability and broader economic concerns also play a crucial role in India’s agricultural policies. Issues like food inflation and political importance of farmers, as seen in the large-scale farmer protests against proposed agricultural law changes, heavily influence trade decisions.
India’s pulse consumption is estimated at around 10 to 11 million tons annually, presenting opportunities for exporters. However, competing policies aimed at maintaining a balance between import needs and self-sufficiency make the market unpredictable. Pakistan, for example, remains a key player in the region, being the second-largest importer of chickpeas, while China’s demand for pulses has slowed due to domestic stockpiles and reduced reliance on imported peas.
Tomar also discussed the Middle East, which is becoming an increasingly important market for pulses. Despite its relatively small population, Dubai plays a major role in the regional pulse trade due to its strategic location and advanced logistics infrastructure. The Middle East imports approximately 1.2 million tons of pulses annually, making it a crucial market for global exporters, further enhanced by its proximity to India and its role as a processing and re-export hub.
BLACK SEA PULSES SET TO RIVAL CANADA IN GLOBAL PRODUCTION
During the pulses session, Cem Bogusoglu, Director of Swiss Aegean Trading, emphasized that the consumption and marketability of pulses have significantly increased since the FAO designated 2016 as the International Year of Pulses and February 10th as World Pulses Day, initiatives championed by the Global Pulse Confederation (GPC). He noted that pulses production in the Black Sea region is on a continuous rise, even amid the war in Ukraine. "Currently, Russia is the largest producer of yellow peas in the world. If you combine Ukraine, Russia, and Kazakhstan, they have the potential to become a true superpower in pulses production. With this consistent growth, the Black Sea region is poised to surpass Canada in lentil production within the next 5 to 10 years,” he stated.
He also highlighted the unique sustainability of pulses, pointing out their contributions to soil fertility, digestive health, and their ability to thrive with limited water supply. "Given the looming threats of climate change and water scarcity, pulses are set to play a pivotal role in the future food system," Bogusoglu added.
In discussing market dynamics, Bogusoglu suggested that pulses could potentially replace feed grains in certain circumstances due to their high protein content. "This shift happens occasionally when there is an oversupply of pulses globally, bringing their prices closer to feed grains. However, for pulses to succeed in the long run, increasing food consumption of pulses is imperative," he concluded.