Venue Details

Networking session with Gala Dinner
Le Meridien hotel , New Delhi (October 24, 2009)

Conference & Exhibition
Indian Habitat Centre, The Stein Auditorium, New Delhi(October 25, 2009)


Summit Background

India , with a billion plus population and consuming a third of the global production of pulses continues to be a dominant player of pulses in the world. Pulses are a key ingredient of the common Indian daily diet. Unfortunately, it is becoming dearer with each passing day to the extent that from the proverbial Dal-Roti staple diet, Dal is on the verge of vanishing off the plate of the common man. In the last 50 years, per capita availability of pulses has been steadily coming down from 70 grams/adult/day to less than 40 grams/adult/day. This is solely on account of stagnant crop yields. Annual pulses production has barely crawled in the last 23 years from 13.3 million tones in 1985-86 to 15 million tones at present! On the other hand, for the majority vegetarian population of India , the sole protein supplement is getting out of reach with a nutritional calamity looming large. Necessary impetus required on both R&D and policy front has not been forthcoming. Recent haphazard monsoon has further aggravated the situation in this predominantly rainfed crop.

In this backdrop, it is important to take stock of the production and supply prospects in the key producing and exporting nations. It is also important to meaningfully assess the likely price trends and the emerging global scenarios. On the research and policy front, scientists and policy makers would have to be engaged on a war footing to increase the productivity and expand acreage by actively considering hybrid and bio-tech seed development in pulses.

AgriWatch proposes to provide a platform to have a 360 degree view of the challenges faced in the world of pulses by bringing the various stakeholders to brainstorm on the various issues and develop a constructive framework for the development of pulses at a global level.

Summit Schedule:- 24 th October Venue-Le Meridien hotel, New Delhi. 6.30 – 10.30 pm - Gala Dinner and Networking Program and special presentation by global participants 25th October Venue- Indian Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road , New Delhi Inaugural Session ( 9.30 am – 11.00 am ) • Welcome address • Issues & challenges of pulses industry • Address by chief guest • Vote of thanks Tea Break ( 11.00 am -11.30 am) Trade session ( 11.30 am – 01.00 pm ) • Pulses Trade Outlook - In the Context of Indian Imports • Emerging Trends in Domestic Market • Global Perspective • Drivers in Indian Pulses Trade Lunch Break ( 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm ) Risk Management & Technology ( 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm ) • Need to take a closer look at futures trade in pulses • Innovations in Pulse Processing and Packaging • Efforts to Increase Productivity in Pulses in India Policy & Regulation ( 3.30 pm – 4.30 pm ) • Indian Environment – Suggestions • Role of Food Safety Laws in Pulses Processing Tea Break ( 4.30 pm – 5.00 pm ) Crop Estimation ( 5.00 pm – 6.00 pm ) • All India Estimate of Pulses • State wise Contribution • Estimated Consumption Interactive Session Valedictory and mementos distribution ( 6.00 pm – 6.30 pm )