Legumes, traditionally considered an affordable source of protein for low-income families, have also become much more expensive. PHOTO: FILE
FAISALABAD:
Agricultural experts have sounded the alarm over Pakistan’s continuing decline in pulse production, warning that the country spends nearly $980 million on imports each year to meet domestic demand.
Rana Muhammad Tayyib, president of Punjab Pulses Importers Association and chairman of grains market, said that until 1998, Pakistan was one of the major exporters 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 varieties of pulse seeds.
Thus, around 80% of legumes consumed in the country are imported.
Tayyib highlighted the impact of climate change on production.
“In rain-fed areas like Thal, occasional rains can increase yields by 35 percent, but lack of rainfall causes heavy losses and discourages farmers from growing pulses in the future,” he said.
These concerns were discussed at a seminar organized at the Pulses Research Institute of Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) on the occasion of World Pulses Day.
Experts noted that Pakistan requires around 1.5 million tonnes of pulses per year but produces only a fraction of it, forcing the import of nearly a million tonnes every 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.
“Legumes are an affordable, high-quality source of protein and a pillar of national food security. Promoting local culture can meet national needs and save foreign exchange spent on imports,” he said.
Dr Rehman stressed the need to improve production through modern research, improved agricultural practices and high-yielding varieties.
Newly developed legume varieties including Bittal-21 and Bittal-2022 have been introduced by AARI and are adapted to local conditions.
Dr Khalid Hussain, Chief Scientist of AARI Pulses Section, highlighted the dual role of pulses 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 recalled that Pakistan produced around 700,000 tonnes of pulses in 2011-12 due to timely rainfall in areas like Thal, Mianwali, Chakwal, Fateh Jhang, Attock and Layyah, but the production has now fallen to 250,000 tonnes per year due to climate change and untimely monsoon rains.
Dr Hussain also noted that farmers are discouraged from growing pulses due to low income and export restrictions.
A PC-1 proposal for the promotion of pulses has been prepared and submitted to the authorities but is still awaiting approval.
Efforts are underway to expand the cultivation to areas such as Bahawalpur, Multan and Gojra.
Dr Javed Ahmad, Chief Scientist, Wheat Section, highlighted the importance of crop rotation.
“Cultivating pulses before wheat improves soil fertility and improves the yield and quality of the next crop,” he said, calling on farmers to become more knowledgeable about modern techniques.
The seminar was attended by top scientists, agricultural experts, representatives of the Faisalabad Agricultural University, private sector stakeholders and farmers.
Certified legume seeds were distributed to encourage adoption of improved varieties, and participants visited research trial 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.
