Russia, India may establish joint cultivation of pulse crops

MOSCOW. Sept 30 (Interfax) - Russia and India may establish joint cultivation of some types of pulse crops, for which demand on the Indian market is high.

"During negotiations with Indian companies, the Russian Union of Grain Exporters and Producers confirmed its readiness to become a reliable partner in ensuring stable supplies of Russian pulse crops, and proposed launching a joint program for cultivating specific types that are of particular interest to Indian consumers," United Grain Company (UGC) said in a press release issued following the visit by Russian exporters to India.

The union's delegation was headed by the association's board chairman and general director of UGC, Dmitry Sergeyev.

"India is one of the world's largest consumers and producers of pulses. Despite the measures taken by the Indian government to develop production of pulse crops, the country has not achieved complete self-sufficiency in them and is forced to import significant amounts," UGC said.

According to the union's executive director and deputy general director of UGC, Kseniya Bolomatova, who was cited in the press release, Russia became the second largest supplier of peas to India in 2024, with exports exceeding 800,000 tonnes. Chickpeas and lentils also have great export potential, she said.

As reported, more than 30 Russian agricultural export companies as well as representatives of more than 40 Indian companies, industry associations and government authorities took part in the business mission to India.