KARACHI:
Pulses are the eatable seeds of leguminous plants cultivated and consumed worldwide. Their plants have seeds in pods, distinctive flowers, and typically root nodules containing bacteria called symbiotic, which can fix nitrogen. Pulses include dried beans, lentils, and peas. In the sub-continent, these are popular with their common name, daal. Crops harvested green e.g., green bean or those used for oil extraction e.g., soybean or for sowing purposes e.g., seeds of clover are not considered pulses.
Pulses are used as a high protein nutrient in regions where meat and dairy are not easily accessible or affordable. They are low in fat and rich in soluble fibre, so they can lower cholesterol and help control blood sugar. Pulses have a highly effective cropping system. Their nitrogen-fixing properties improve soil fertility by increasing productivity. Using pulses for intercropping and cover crops may stimulate soil conservation and biodiversity and save farms from damaging pests and diseases. Pulses have significant nutritional and environmental benefits and can assist countries in achieving sustainable development goals i.e., zero hunger, good health and well-being, responsible consumption and production, life on land, etc.
Even though pulses production has festered in Pakistan, consumption has increased steadily. Consequently, the import of pulses has heightened. The sudden rise in the prices of pulses, along with the present economic chaos in Pakistan is the result of flawed government policies on fertiliser, water, and energy subsidies. The government needs to revise its policies urgently. Instead of importing pulses from Russia, Canada, and Turkey, Pakistan should consider importing from India, which is the largest producer of pulses. Local farmers should be incentivised and facilitated to grow pulses to reduce dependence on imports.
Dr Intikhab Ulfat
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, February 12th, 2023.
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