Deepak Pareek
Founder & MD
HnyB Tech-Incubations Pvt. Limited

The global food system stands at a crossroads. As demand for sustainable protein soars, pulses—beans, chickpeas, lentils, and peas—emerge as modern solutions to humanity’s most pressing nutritional challenges. Yet the most compelling chapter in this transformation is unfolding across a region uniquely positioned to capture its future: the Middle East.

A Critical Production Gap Demands Action

Current global pulse production reaches 92 million tons in 2024, falling dramatically short of the 119 million tons required for basic nutrition security. This calculation assumes 40 grams per person daily for an average 62kg body weight, with pulses providing 35-40% of total protein needs.

The outlook grows more urgent: global normative demand will surge to 150 million tons within ten years. Yet pulse yields show the slowest growth in agriculture—a meager 0.66% CAGR from 637 kg/hectare in 1961 to 968 kg/hectare in 2024. Without dramatic yield improvements, we’ll need 50% more cultivation area—potentially expanding from today’s 95 million hectares.

This crisis demands immediate solutions: breakthrough yield technologies, cultivation of fallow and waste lands, and drastically improved post-harvest management to reduce the 20-30% losses plaguing global supply chains.

India’s Growth Trajectory Reshapes Global Dynamics

India’s ambitious 8% annual growth over the next decade, combined with its population reaching 1.5 billion, creates unprecedented pulse demand. Food demand will increase 2.44% annually, driven primarily by pulses, fruits, and vegetables as dietary preferences evolve.

The numbers reveal the scale: India produced 24 million tons in 2024, imported 7 million tons, and consumed 28 million tons—still 10 million tons below normative demand of 38 million tons. Projections show India needing 36 million tons within ten years and 50 million tons by 2050.

This persistent shortfall creates reliable global trade flows that sophisticated intermediaries can capture and optimize through strategic positioning and value-added services.

Geographic Advantages Create Unmatched Access

The middle east’s position as the continental crossroads enables capture of value from every major trade corridor. The South Asia-Africa Corridor, emerging as the fastest-growing route in global pulse trade, where Middle Eastern storage and aggregation transform multiple small shipments into efficient bulk distribution. The North America-Asia Bridge, Canadian and US exports can leverage regional infrastructure for optimal container utilization, storage close to consumption hotspots of GCC, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh and 24-hour trading operations across time zones.

The UAE demonstrates what’s possible when vision meets execution. Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port create infrastructure rivalling Singapore and Rotterdam. Advanced free trade zones offer streamlined customs and competitive storage rates. The emirate’s regulatory environment supports innovative trading structures. Commodity financing, inventory management, and risk hedging transform simple import-export into comprehensive supply chain solutions.

While the UAE establishes early leadership, neighbouring countries can develop complementary capabilities. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 prioritizes logistics infrastructure supporting economic diversification. Oman’s Arabian Sea positioning enables unique trade flows with India and East Africa. Qatar leverages financial sector expertise for specialized trading and risk management services.

Together, these nations create an ecosystem where competition drives innovation while collaboration maximizes collective advantages.

Technology as the Great Accelerator

Digital integration amplifies physical infrastructure advantages. The region’s technology capabilities position it to scale innovations across multiple regions and languages, integrating blockchain traceability, mobile agronomy, and risk management.

Advanced telecommunications networks and sophisticated data centers create ideal conditions for digital supply chain platforms serving global markets—synthesizing best practices from major producing regions into comprehensive solutions.

Financial Innovation Creates Sustainable Advantage

The region’s advanced banking sector provides crucial lubrication for global pulse trade. Multi-origin blending, seasonal storage, and quality standardization require sophisticated financing arrangements few regions can provide, creating barriers to entry that protect long-term competitive advantages.

The Path Forward: 

Strategic Imperatives

Infrastructure Investment: Accelerate development of specialized pulse storage, processing, and redistribution facilities across the region.

Digital Platforms: Develop integrated trading systems connecting global producers with regional and international buyers through transparent, efficient markets.

Financial Services: Expand commodity financing, risk management, and trade finance capabilities specifically designed for pulse trade characteristics.

Strategic Partnerships: Build alliances with major producing regions to secure reliable supply while offering value-added services.

Seizing the Moment

The Middle East’s transformation from pulse importer to global orchestrator represents an unprecedented opportunity, but this window won’t remain open indefinitely. Conservative projections suggest the region could handle 25-30% of global pulse trade flows by 2035—potentially 8-10 million tonnes in re-export volumes alone.

The convergence of global supply gaps, India’s explosive demand growth, and the region’s unique advantages creates perfect conditions for leadership. The question isn’t whether change will come, but whether the Middle East will architect this transformation or watch others claim the opportunity.

The pulse revolution is beginning. The moment to lead it is now.