(Image Credit: ID 69411355 © Dimbar76 Dreamstime.com)

By Alice McFarlane

Pulse production

Saskatchewan to support pulse protein centre in India

Mar 3, 2026 | 12:09 PM

Pulses, which include lentils, chickpeas, peas, and beans, are central to both Saskatchewan and India’s agri-food sectors.  

Pulses are also healthy and are high in protein. Over 80 per cent of all pulses exported from Canada to India are grown in Saskatchewan, providing food for hundreds of millions of people every day. 

As part of the ongoing mission to India, Premier Scott Moe along with officials from Canada, India, and the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have agreed to explore the creation of the Canada-India Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence at the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) in Kundli, India. 

Moe said the province plays an important role in global food security. 

“This announcement represents an opportunity to bring Saskatchewan’s expertise and ingenuity in pulse production to the people of India. By working together, we will accelerate innovation, expand processing capabilities, and help meet growing demand for affordable, high quality, sustainably grown foods,” Moe said. 

Responsive measures

Some Sask. farmers to get winter elk hunting permits next year to protect land

Mar 12, 2026

Buy Now, Pay Later!

Spring 2026 Early Buy Program

Mar 09, 2026

SARM Convention

Sask RMs gather to address come concerns

Mar 06, 2026

The governments of Canada and India have named USask and NIFTEM in Kundli the co-chairs that will lead the creation of the centre. 

USask Research Vice President Baljit Singh said the university has a strong history of developing agricultural innovations that have real world impact. 

“With groundbreaking discoveries in crop development, phenotyping, disease resistance, and excellence in food processing, USask researchers have greatly shaped modern farming advancements that have benefited both consumers and producers,” Singh said. “We are committed to addressing the global demand for plant-based proteins and applying our world-class researchers, labs and infrastructure to address these needs.” 

The proposed centre will be a hub for food innovation in India with a focus on pulse protein processing and fortified foods development.

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Chair Stuart Lawrence said the Centre of Excellence underscores the long-term partnership between Saskatchewan and India in pulses. 

“This collaboration between academia and government can help ensure more pulses are included in large-scale food applications and enhance the role pulses play in delivering nutritional security for the benefit of Indian consumers and Saskatchewan farmers,” Lawrence added. 

Saskatchewan and India have a strong trade relationship with over $18 billion in exports since 2007. The province is proud to be the consistent ally and reliable supplier India needs to ensure food and energy security. 

The current mission to India will run from Feb. 28 to March 6. 

–

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com