Legumes, traditionally considered an affordable source of protein for low-income families, also became significantly more expensive. PHOTO: ARCHIVE
FAISALABAD:
Agricultural experts have raised the alarm over Pakistan’s continuing decline in pulses production, warning that the country is spending almost $980 million each year on imports to meet domestic demand.
Rana Muhammad Tayyib, president of Punjab Pulses Importers Association and chairman of Grain Market, said that until 1998, Pakistan was a major exporter of pulses. However, the export ban imposed during the Musharraf era disappointed farmers as pulses became a low-income crop.
He added that Pakistan’s annual domestic demand stands at 1.62 million tonnes, but 1.07 million tonnes are imported, reflecting the poor performance of the Federal Seed Corporation which has failed to introduce durable and heat-resistant pulse seed varieties.
As a result, around 80% of the legumes consumed in the country are imported.
Tayyib highlighted the impact of climate change on production.
“In rainfed areas like Thal, timely rains can increase yields by 35 per cent, but lack of rain causes huge losses and discourages farmers from growing pulses in the future,” he said.
The concerns were discussed during a seminar held at the Pulses Research Institute of Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) in connection with World Pulses Day.
Experts said Pakistan needs about 1.5 million tonnes of pulses a year, but produces only a fraction, forcing it to import almost a million tonnes each year.
The seminar was chaired by Dr Sajidur Rehman, Chief Scientist and Director General of Research, Punjab, who highlighted the nutritional and economic importance of pulses.
“Pulses are an affordable, high-quality source of protein and a pillar of national food security. Promoting local cultivation can meet domestic needs and save foreign exchange spent on imports,” he said.
Dr. Rehman highlighted the need to improve production through modern research, better agricultural practices and high-yielding varieties.
The AARI has introduced newly developed legume varieties, including Bittal-21 and Bittal-2022, which are adapted to local conditions.
Dr. Khalid Hussain, Chief Scientist, Legumes Section, AARI, highlighted the dual role of legumes in nutrition and soil health.
“Legumes naturally improve soil fertility and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers,” he said, adding that new disease-resistant varieties can increase yields per acre.
He reminded that Pakistan produced around 700,000 tonnes of pulses in 2011-12 due to timely rains in areas like Thal, Mianwali, Chakwal, Fateh Jhang, Attock and Layyah, but the production has now declined to 250,000 tonnes annually due to climate change and untimely monsoon rains.
Dr Hussain also pointed out that farmers are deterred from growing pulses due to low income and export restrictions.
A PC-1 proposal for the promotion of pulses was prepared and presented to the authorities, but is still pending approval.
Efforts are underway to expand cultivation to regions like Bahawalpur, Multan and Gojra.
Dr. Javed Ahmad, Chief Scientist, Wheat Section, highlighted the importance of crop rotation.
“Growing pulses before wheat improves soil fertility and improves the yield and quality of the next crop,” he said, urging greater awareness among farmers about modern techniques.
The seminar was attended by senior scientists, agricultural experts, representatives of Faisalabad Agricultural University, private sector stakeholders and farmers.
Certified legume seeds were distributed to encourage adoption of improved varieties, and participants visited research test fields to learn about modern legume production and pest management.
The experts concluded that collaboration between research institutes, universities and the private sector is essential to strengthen agricultural development, increase farmers’ incomes and reduce dependence on imports.
