Released on March 30, 2017
The Government of Saskatchewan welcomes the extension to India’s pulse fumigation exemption, which will maintain uninterrupted access for Saskatchewan pulse crops to the important Indian market.The three month extension to the current fumigation protocol is in effect from April 1 until June 30. Pulse exports from Saskatchewan that are currently in transit or will arrive on or before June 30, 2017, will not require fumigation in Canada.
“This is a positive step for our province’s pulse farmers and our agricultural industry, and we thank the Government of Canada for working with industry and provincial governments in order to secure an exemption with the Government of India,” Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart said. “Saskatchewan is pleased to continue to help contribute to the food security of India’s growing population as the top pulse supplier to that marketplace.”
In 2016, Saskatchewan exported $1.1 billion of pulse crop to India.
As Canada’s leader in pulse crop production, Saskatchewan’s 17,000 pulse growers produce 99 per cent of Canada’s chickpeas, 84 per cent of Canada’s lentils and 49 per cent of Canada’s dry peas.
“This extension creates stability for Saskatchewan pulse exports and we will support continued discussions from both governments on a long-term, science-based solution,” Minister Responsible for Trade Jeremy Harrison said. “We look forward to building upon our already strong trading relationship.”
-30-
For more information, contact:
Trelle Kolojay
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5155
Email: trelle.kolojay@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-0521