Beans & Pulses

Grains and pulses are essential food crops that provide billions of people around the world with a staple source of carbohydrates, protein, and other nutrients. Grains are the seeds of cereal grasses, such as wheat, rice, corn, and oats. Pulses are the dried seeds of legumes, such as beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas.

Global Grains and Pulses Production and Trade

In 2022, global grains production totaled over 2.8 billion metric tons, while global pulses production totaled over 370 million metric tons. The top five grain producers were China, India, the United States, Russia, and Brazil. The top five pulse producers were India, Canada, Myanmar, Australia, and China.

The global grains and pulses trade is also significant. In 2022, global grains exports totaled over 430 million metric tons, while global pulses exports totaled over 60 million metric tons. The top five grain exporters were Russia, the United States, Ukraine, Canada, and Australia. The top five pulse exporters were Canada, India, Myanmar, Australia, and the United States.

Key Grains and Pulses

The following are some of the most important grains and pulses grown and traded around the world:

• Wheat: Wheat is the most widely grown crop in the world, and it is a staple food for billions of people. Wheat is used to make a variety of food products, including bread, pasta, flour, and cereal.
• Rice: Rice is the second most widely grown crop in the world, and it is the staple food for over half of the world’s population. Rice is a good source of carbohydrates and protein, and it is also low in fat.
• Corn: Corn is the most widely produced crop in the world, and it is used for a variety of purposes, including food, feed, and fuel. Corn is a good source of carbohydrates and energy, and it is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
• Oats: Oats are a nutritious cereal grain that is often eaten for breakfast. Oats are a good source of fiber, protein, and vitamins.
• Beans: Beans are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Beans can be eaten on their own or used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and salads.
• Lentils: Lentils are a type of pulse that is a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. Lentils are easy to cook and can be used in a variety of dishes.
• Peas: Peas are a type of pulse that is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Peas can be eaten fresh, frozen, or canned.
• Chickpeas: Chickpeas are a type of pulse that is a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. Chickpeas are often used to make hummus and falafel.

Grains and Pulses in the Global Food System

Grains and pulses play a vital role in the global food system. They are a staple food for billions of people around the world, and they are also used to make a variety of food products, such as bread, pasta, flour, cereal, soy milk, and tofu. Grains and pulses are also an important ingredient in animal feed.

Challenges and Opportunities

The global grains and pulses market faces a number of challenges, including:

• Population growth: The world’s population is expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, which will put increased demand on food production.
• Climate change: Climate change is already having an impact on crop yields, and it is expected to make it more difficult to grow grains and pulses in the future.
• Water scarcity: Water is essential for crop production, and water scarcity is a growing problem in many parts of the world.

Despite these challenges, the global grains and pulses market also presents a number of opportunities. For example, the growing demand for plant-based foods is driving demand for grains and pulses. Additionally, the development of new technologies, such as vertical farming, could help to increase grain and pulse production in the future.

Grains and pulses are essential food crops that play a vital role in the global food system. The global grains and pulses market faces a number of challenges, but it also presents a number of opportunities. By investing in research and development, and by working to improve agricultural practices, we can ensure that everyone has access to the nutritious grains and pulses they need to thrive.