Can the United States Get a “Pulse” in the Indian Market?
Pulses are an important component of the Indian diet, providing a major source of protein for a majority of the population, across income lines. However, per capita consumption has been declining as production has fallen short of the growing population. At about 30 pounds per year, India s per capita consumption still ranks among the highest in the world, although it is just half of what it was in the 1960’s. India is the world s largest importer of pulses, and yet, the world s largest producer, with production having stagnated at around 12.0 to 14.0 million tons. The success of high yielding wheat and rice varieties coupled with the government support prices they receive have encouraged farmers to switch planted area from pulses to wheat and rice. Consequently, India has consistently relied on the world market to meet large demand for peas, beans and lentils. Because of its varied agro-climatic conditions and food preferences (varies from region to region, even state to state), India
