#iyp2016

Over the last few years, we have seen some steep rise in the prices of pulses, especially Arhar dal/Thurvaram paruppu, and Urad dal/Ulundu, owing to drought conditions in regions that traditionally cultivate pulses. This year, with nearly 89% of India's arable areas receiving normal to excess rainfall during the current South West Monsoon period, also motivated by the potential demand for pulses, many farmers across India have opted for growing pulses.

Compared to the usual crop trends around this time of the year, farmers have sown as much as 39% more lands with pulses. Pinning hopes on this, the Indian Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is expecting a yield of 20 million tons of pulses in the year 2016-2017.

"India has been the largest producer of pulses, yet any increase in the production of pulses would help in bringing down the prices, which is quintessential because India is also the largest consumer of pulses."

In the Coimbatore region, although we expected a slightly less than normal rainfall during the SW monsoon months, as on date, we have a rainfall deficit of thirty-six percent. Farmers are now counting on the North East Monsoon. Taking into account, the fall in rainfall levels and depleting underwater tables in the region, planting less water-intensive crops like pulses and millets could help farmers in the area. Given the demand for pulses, rooting for pulses will assist in stabilizing the prices and in bridging the deficit in supply, which is currently being taken care through imports.

The 68th General Assembly of United Nations has announced Year 2016 as the International year of pulses (IYP 2016). IYP 2016 has been serving as a vehicle, by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to encourage global production of pulses with the help of Governments and Non-Governmental Organizations around the world.

The rationale behind this move is to spread awareness on the nutritional benefits of pulses, and how pulses can promote sustainable farming and food security across the globe. The math is simple. The average DV (Daily Value) of protein required for an adult is 50g. Pulses can provide the same value of protein utilizing 'lesser land, water, and energy resources,' as compared to dairy or meat.

"Production of daal (split peas or lentils) requires 50 litres of water per kilogram. Conversely, 1 Kg of chicken requires 4325 liters of water, 1 Kg of mutton requires 5520 liters, and 1 Kg of beef requires 13000 liters of water during production. Their small water footprint makes pulses production a smart choice in drier areas and regions prone to drought." - FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)

A bowl of pulses can provide around 20-25g of protein. By consuming pulses along with other everyday cereals, one can easily meet the DV of protein required. Choosing pulses for protein would also free enough 'land, water and energy resources' to ensure food security of the global populace. Further, if we take into account the needs of our future generations, we will be able to see how 'pulses for protein' is a sustainable drive.

India may need no introduction to the utilization of pulse-based proteins. They have been part of our diet in many different forms. But unfortunately, most of the pulses used in everyday Indian culinary like Arhar dal/Thurvaram paruppu, at their current prices, are not affordable for all. Many lower income households use them sparsely and opt for a larger serving of rice/wheat, which are relatively cheaper. Their protein intake may range below one-third of the Daily Value of protein required. It keeps them malnourished with reduced immunity levels. Both, lack of awareness and cost of pulses remain a deterrent. To address this problem, the Indian Government has also set its milestones for IYP 2016. Now it is in the hands of our farmers to help us achieve these milestones and ensure that a common man's daily diet has a sumptuous serving of pulses.

The Australian Mungbean Association threw their support behind the Australian Pulse Conference by having a display and sponsoring the event. Mungbeans and the success of the Mungbean Industry was covered by so many speakers, including Tom Giles in GRDC’s opening, with mention to the size of the crop last year and the growth of mungbeans and the success of the breeding program. 

Simple Chickpea & Salmon Salad

It’s been a while since I’ve been in this space, so I’m easing back into the swing of things with a super simple dish.  I whipped this up the other day while our little prince was napping, hoping to get my first meal in before 3pm.  Success!  I really can’t complain though, since I usually do this to myself by packing our mornings to the fullest.  Usually they start with an early run, some sort…