First National Steering Committee Meeting of ICAR-DoCA Project Focuses on Reducing Pulse Storage Loss

National Steering Committee Meeting, led by the Department of Consumer Affairs, focuses on reducing post-harvest losses of pulses through innovative storage solutions and enhanced utilization strategies, aiming to boost pulse availability and stabilize market prices.

The Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, recently spearheaded a significant initiative aimed at curbing post-harvest losses of pulses stored in warehouses. The project, titled 'Study on determining storage losses of pulses stored in warehouses and to recommend norms for loss/gain during long-term storage,' was the centrepiece of discussion during the First National Steering Committee Meeting held at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research in Kanpur on May 6 – 7, 2024.

Dr. S. N. Jha, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Engineering) ICAR, graced the event as the Chief Guest, stressing the need to boost the availability of pulses while minimizing post-harvest losses. He highlighted the importance of optimizing protein utilization efficiency in pulses to ensure that lesser quantities suffice to meet protein requirements. Additionally, Dr. Jha emphasized the development of efficient machinery for both pre-and post-production operations of pulses.

The Director of ICAR-IIPR, Dr. G. P. Dixit, elucidated the institute's essential role in enhancing pulse production. Meanwhile, Dr K. Guite, Economic Advisor at the Department of Consumer Affairs, shed light on the project's objective to establish procurement and storage norms for pulses. He also highlighted the Department's role in maintaining buffer stocks to stabilize market prices and ensure steady pulse availability.

Dr. Nachiket Kotwaliwale, Director of ICAR-Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology, Ludhiana, underscored the national significance of the study, particularly concerning pulse storage. Dr. K. Narsaiah, Assistant Director General (Process Engineering), ICAR, stressed the importance of minimizing post-production losses and enhancing the quality of raw grains to improve overall pulse availability.

Furthermore, Dr. Anil Rai, Assistant Director General (ICT), advocated for the digitalization of agriculture through sensor-based monitoring systems, aligning with the broader technological advancements in the agricultural sector.

Post the committee meeting, Dr. Guite convened with the office bearers of the Kanpur Dal Millers Association at ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur. The session aimed to educate millers on the nutritional composition and potential edible usage of pulse milling byproducts. Discussions included insights into producing protein and fibre-rich biscuits from pigeon pea milling byproducts, offering a holistic approach to utilizing resources efficiently.

A total of 12 pulse millers actively participated in the engaging and insightful meeting, signalling a collective commitment towards mitigating storage losses and enhancing the utilization of pulse resources in India's agricultural landscape.