Vishal Vijay from Agrocorp International was invited to speak on the success of International Year of Pulses at the Gafta Trade and Trends Forum in Singapore. He started by talking about the importance of pulses in the meal and position pulses as a primary source of protein and other essential nutrients with growing consumption worldwide.
The International Year of Pulses was a good platform to bring all the traders to the Singapore Pulses Federation Limited in 2016. The main aim of the association is to promote Singapore as a major Pulses trading hub, to develop potential markets and networking opportunities for members, work closely with global pulses associations and raise awareness of pulses contribution to food security and nutrition and as an environmentally friend crop. Few events were held in Singapore to celebrate the International Year of Pulses.
A special pulse feast was organised on 6th Jan 2016 at Singapore Cricket Club with Singapore Pulses Federation Limited members to network and try out pulses based foods from all over the world. On the occasion of Pongal festival, SPFL distributed pulses at the Perumal temple in Singapore to raise awareness about the benefits of pulses. The event was organised by Little India Shop owners association of Singapore and graced by Senior Minister of State Ms See Ann. IE Singapore, the government agency promoting international trade for Singapore companies hosted SPFL and its members on 2nd Nov 2016. The event was a good opportunity to talk about the future of food.
It is important to continue the legacy of IYP and continue the promotion of Pulses across the globe. Singapore will continue to promote consumption of pulses as a means to improve global food security and support agri-food entrepreneurs to use pulses as ingredients in food products.