Launch of India Grains and Pulses Council (IGPC)

Launch of India Grains and Pulses Council (IGPC)

The Indian grains and pulses sector, a foundational pillar of the nation’s agriculture and economy, has reached a pivotal moment. Contributing significantly to food security and sustaining approximately 900 million farmers, the sector stands at the forefront of India's agrarian landscape. Recognizing the immense potential in grains and pulses trade and their critical importance in food security and nutrition security of the nation, ICFA is launching a dedicated body, India Grains and Pulses Council (IGPC) on April 12, 2024, in New Delhi to work on addressing policy and trade challenges to unleash the potential of grains and pulses sector. IGPC, as dedicated body will comprehensively address the issues and work on maximising the opportunities in India’s agricultural commodities trade, with a presence in over 150 countries, accounts for nearly $15 billion in exports and $5 billion in imports, marking the nation as a significant player on the global stage. Yet, the sector faces crucial challenges such as infrastructural deficits, policy constraints, financial risks, contractual obligations, production fluctuations and climatic uncertainties, which impede its growth and sustainability. The IGPC, under the aegis of ICFA, aims to spearhead transformative changes through strategic interventions across various Ministries, missions and trade related bodies. “The establishment of the IGPC is a monumental step towards modernizing our grains and pulses sector and ensuring its global competitiveness and sustainability,” stated Dr. M J Khan, Chairman of ICFA. The launch will be done by Prof. Ramesh Chand, Hon’ble Member, Niti Aayog, with participation from high-level government officials, and international dignitaries from key trade countries, including the Executive Director of International Grains Council, Mr. Arnaud Petit, H.E. Mr. MS Nardeo, Secretary General, AARDO, Ambassadors and HCs of Tanzania, Vietnam, Malaysia, Ethiopia, Myanmar among others, underlining the global and national significance of this initiative. As per Deepak Pareek, Founding Convener of IGPC, “The IGPC's mission encompasses enhancing market access, promoting technological advancement, advocating for policy reforms, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.” Key objectives of IGPC include: Enhancing Market Stability: Through strategic marketing and international partnerships, IGPC aims to create more predictable market conditions, ensuring stability for farmers, traders, and other stakeholders. Infrastructure Development: Addressing post-harvest losses by improving storage and logistics facilities to bolster supply chain efficiency. Technological Advancement: Bridging the technology gap in rural farming and facilitating access to innovative farming practices and tools. Policy and Regulatory Reforms: Working alongside government bodies to streamline regulations, fostering a conducive environment for sectoral growth. Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship: Advocating for practices that ensure the sector's long-term viability while mitigating environmental impacts. Capacity Building: Enhancing the competencies of those in the value chain through education, training, and networking, driving industry-wide progress. This landmark initiative heralds a new era for Indian agriculture, promising economic prosperity for farmers, market stability, and contributing to the nation’s food security and sustainability goals.