Pulses, traditionally considered an affordable source of protein for low-income families, also became significantly more expensive. PHOTO: FILE
FAISALABAD:
Agricultural experts have raised alarm over the continuous decline in Pakistan’s pulse production, warning that the country is spending nearly $980 million each year on imports to meet domestic demand.
Rana Muhammad Tayyib, President of the Punjab Pulses Importers Association and Chairman of the Grain Market, said that until 1998, Pakistan was a leading exporter of pulses. However, the export ban imposed during the Musharraf era disappointed farmers as pulses became a low-earning crop.
He added that Pakistan’s annual domestic demand stands at 1.62 million tons, but 1.07 million tons are imported, reflecting poor performance by the Federal Seed Corporation, which failed to introduce heat-resilient and durable pulse seed varieties.
As a result, around 80% of pulses consumed in the country are imported.
Tayyib highlighted the impact of climate change on production.
“In rain-fed areas like Thal, timely rains can increase yields by 35 percent, but lack of rainfall results in heavy 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 the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) in connection with World Pulses Day.
Experts noted that Pakistan requires approximately 1.5 million tons of pulses annually but produces only a fraction, forcing imports of nearly one million tons each year.
The seminar was chaired by Dr Sajidur Rehman, Chief Scientist and Director General Research Punjab, who emphasised 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 stressed the need to enhance production through modern research, improved farming practices and high-yielding varieties.
Newly developed pulse varieties, including Bittal-21 and Bittal-2022, have been introduced by AARI and are suited to local conditions.
Dr Khalid Hussain, Chief Scientist of the Pulses Section at AARI, highlighted pulses’ dual role in nutrition and soil health.
“Pulses naturally improve soil fertility and reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers,” he said, adding that new disease-resistant varieties can boost per-acre yields.
He recalled that Pakistan produced around 700,000 tons of pulses in 2011-12 due to timely rainfall in areas like Thal, Mianwali, Chakwal, Fateh Jhang, Attock and Layyah, but production has now dropped to 250,000 tons annually because of climate change and untimely monsoon rains.
Dr Hussain also noted that farmers are discouraged from cultivating pulses due to low returns and export restrictions.
A PC-1 proposal for pulse promotion has been prepared and submitted to authorities but is still pending approval.
Efforts are underway to expand cultivation to regions including Bahawalpur, Multan and Gojra.
Dr Javed Ahmad, Chief Scientist of the Wheat Section, emphasized the importance of crop rotation.
“Growing pulses before wheat enhances soil fertility and improves the yield and quality of the following crop,” he said, urging greater farmer awareness of modern techniques.
The seminar was attended by senior scientists, agricultural experts, representatives of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, private sector stakeholders, and farmers.
Certified pulse seeds were distributed to encourage adoption of improved varieties, and participants visited research trial fields to learn about modern pulse production and pest management.
Experts concluded that collaboration between research institutes, universities, and the private sector is essential to strengthen agricultural development, increase farmer incomes and reduce reliance on imports.
