Regina promotes popularity, profitability of pulses

It has been a week of pulsating publicity in Regina, all to show people the importance ofpulses to the city's economy.

"Saskatchewan and in particular Regina we are the centre of the pulse's universe. 65 per cent of the world trade of lentils originates in Saskatchewan," saidMurad Al-Katib,CEO of AGT Foods which is headquartered in Regina.

AGT Foods is one of the world's largest pulse processors. It brought in revenues of $1.7 billion in 2015.

"India, China income growth and population growth are driving it. This multi-billion dollar opportunity isgoing to continue to expand. We really want agri-value and pulses processing to be a major part of the Regina plains economy," Al-Katib said.

• Pulse crops from Sask. gaining popularity in developing nations
• Sask. Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart to visit India to push pulse crop exports

On Friday, Regina Mayor Michael Fougeredeclared October 28'We Love Pulses Day' in the city.

AGT Foods also sponsored the'Great Canadian Pulse-Off' which is a week-long culinary contest between Regina-based chefs. Five restaurants had their own pulse-based dish on the menu and customers can vote online.

One of the creations:a white bean and lentil corn dog from Regina's Victoria's Tavern.

"This corn dog has really taken flight. We're having a hard time keeping up," said chef Sean Hale.

• Pulse crop prices jump in Canada, even as supply grows

Canada pulses are based in the wheat province

SaskatchewanPulse Growers says the provincewill set a record for combined pea and lentil acres in 2016.

• Saskatchewan accounts for more than two-thirds of the world's lentil processing.
• Last year, Saskatchewan grew 99 per cent of Canada's chickpeas.
• Lentils were Saskatchewan's leading agri-food export.
• In 40 years, the province has gone from very little pulse production to almost $4 billion in trade in 2015.

No longer just the wheat province

"My grandfather and my dad made their living growing wheat," said Lee Moats, a third-generation farmer based outsideof Regina in Riceton.

Moats serves on the board of Saskatchewan Pulse Growers. He still grows winter wheat but also focuses on canola and red lentils.

He said while the vast majority of pulse crops grown here are exported, local consumers are buying chickpeas and lentils more than ever.

"We are way beyond being the wheat province and I think many people are surprised to hear that."