Pakistan's Pulse Output Chronically Lags Needs
WASHINGTON - May 12/11 - SNS -- The gap between the amount of pulses Pakistan consumes each year and what it produces is likely to widen, argues the U.S. agricultural attache for the country.
"Although Pakistan is a significant producer of pulses, demand has been outstripping domestic supply, making Pakistan a growing importer of pulses," the U.S, agricultural attache reports.
"Pulses have been a staple in the Pakistani diet for decades. They are often referred to as the common man's meat and an important source of protein for the poor.
"Domestic pulse consumption is increasing and currently exceeds a million MT a year. Pulses are grown both in the Kharif (spring planted) and Rabi (fall planted) seasons under non-irrigated conditions and depend largely on monsoon and winter rains for growth. No significant breakthrough in domestic production is anticipated in the near term due to the importance of competing crops such as wheat, rice, and cotton."
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