Saskatchewan targets South Asia as growing pulse market

Saskatoon, Sask. – The Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) are targeting growing markets in South Asia as they set a goal to reach seven million tonnes of pulse exports by 2025.

The Saskatoon, Sask.-based producer association believes there is considerable room for growth in pulse sales to South Asia, which is already a primary market for the province’s pulse growers.

The group recently participated in a multi-sector trade mission to the region organized by the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership. With more than 30 participants from the province’s pulse industry, the mission was aimed at increasing demand for Saskatchewan’s pulses, while strengthening trade relationships. An important part of the program was pulse seminars in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

“South Asia is already our top customer for Saskatchewan pulses, with 58 per cent of pea and lentil exports going to these countries,” says Murray Purcell, chair of SPG. “They are experiencing strong economic growth and have the potential to consume another five million tonnes of pulses.”

During the trade mission, SPG announced the results of a Tamil Nadu Agricultural University research project. The SPG-funded study showed that Saskatchewan green lentils can be used in traditional Indian cuisine, and that Indian consumers were accepting of them.