The Chair of Alberta Pulse Growers says, they're looking for transparency and predictability from India.

Amid pulse tariffs and fumigation trade issues, Chair D'Arcy Hilgartner says, pulse plantings are forecast to drop considerably for 2018, but we're still a few months off seeding to know exactly what the numbers will be.

"Farmers in this province are very nimble and adaptable to change at the last moment. Price is obviously one part, but it's also a part of many farmers rotations to promote soil health, quality for disease and insects, and other risk mitigation issues."

Earlier this week, Hilgartner joined the Chair of Alberta Pork, Frank Novak, and the Alberta Agriculture Minister, Oneil Carlier, to announce the Minister's trade mission to India.

Highlights of the trip include Minister Carlier's keynote address at India Pulse Conclave 2018, promoting the pork industry, and  renewing a Memorandum of Understanding promoting agriculture cooperation with the Indian state of Meghalaya.

Hilgartner says, he had the opportunity to attend the India Pulse Conclave two years ago.

"I witnessed first hand the positive relationship between the people involved in the pulse trade within our two countries. Our members are deeply concerned with the recent restrictions on pulse trade with India. India introduced import duties of 50 per cent on peas, and 30 per cent on chickpeas and lentils in late 2017, and just this month, the tariff on chickpeas increased from 30 to 40 per cent."

He says, India has launched agriculture policies designed to increase their self-sufficiency in pulses and support their farmers.

"We recognize the challenge of balancing the importance of ensuring adequate returns for India's farmers and for food security that accounts for variable production. But duties and quota restrictions on India pulse imports have changed how farmers in most other countries are looking at pulses."

Hilgartner says, the concern is countries affect by the tariff could reduce their pulse plantings, and in the past, India couldn't meet their countries needs on their own.

He says, Alberta Pulse Growers appreciates the opportunity to a part of this important delegation to India.

 

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