Biggest Pulse Crop in History Likely
PANAMA - Jun 11/16 - SNS -- The world will produce the biggest pulse crop in history this year, but per capita availability of pulses remains well below levels seen prior to 1970s.
Global pulse production could push past 79 million metric tons (MT) or 10.8 kilograms per human being. While 16% below the average availability of 12.93 kilograms per person during the 1960s, this year's output is the latest chapter in a significant reversal in pulse consumption.
Average global availability and consumption of pulses dropped every decade between 1960 and 2010 to an average of just 9.35 kilograms between the year 2000 and 2009. The gains experienced since 2010 reflect efforts by India to massively increase domestic output and the emergence of new markets for pulses.
India's efforts reflect the importance of pulses as a source of protein and fiber in a country where a large part of the population does not eat meat. After averaging just 14.3 million MT between 2006 and 2010, output averaged 18 million MT between 2011 and 2015.
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