Recently, Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall announced $100,000 in funding to support activities for the United Nations’ International Year of Pulses (IYOP) in India, in 2016. The announcement was made in Mumbai, India, where the Premier is promoting Saskatchewan’s strength as a global supplier of food, fuel and fertilizer.
“The International Year of Pulses will act as a catalyst for heightened awareness of the vital role pulses play in the pursuit of global food security,” Wall said. “As one of the world’s largest producers of pulses, the declaration is an opportunity for Saskatchewan to showcase its leadership and pursue further export market development.”
The Ministry of Agriculture will work with the Indian Pulses and Grains Association, as well as the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and Pulse Canada, to develop a variety of activities to be held in India in celebration of IYOP. The province is looking to support activities aimed at increasing demand and knowledge of the benefits of pulses, as well as supporting the Global Pulse Conclave 2016.
India is one of Saskatchewan’s most valued trading partners, with sales of peas, lentils and chickpeas to that country exceeding $689 million in 2013. Support of IYOP is an opportunity to strengthen Saskatchewan’s agricultural trading relationship with India and expand the province’s market share in the region.
Growth in the agricultural sector will help to sustain Saskatchewan’s economic strength.
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