Saskatchewan has joined with the federal government and India in advancing plans for a Canada–India Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence, a proposed initiative aimed at strengthening agri-food innovation and expanding value-added processing in one of the world’s most important pulse markets.
The centre would be established at the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management in Kundli, with the University of Saskatchewan and NIFTEM serving as co-chairs in its development. The proposal builds on Saskatchewan’s dominant role in global pulse production and India’s position as the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, said a provincial statement on Tuesday.
“Our province is essential for global food security,” Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said, noting that more than 80% of pulses exported from Canada to India are grown in Saskatchewan. Lentils, chickpeas, peas and beans are dietary staples in India and a cornerstone of Saskatchewan’s agri-food economy, supplying hundreds of millions of consumers.
University of Saskatchewan Research Vice-President Baljit Singh said the institution’s expertise in crop development, phenotyping, disease resistance and food processing positions it well to lead collaborative research focused on plant-based proteins and fortified food development. The proposed centre would serve as a hub for food innovation in India, advancing pulse protein processing technologies while strengthening research and industry partnerships.
Sask Pulse Growers Chair Stuart Lawrence said the initiative underscores the long-standing relationship between Saskatchewan and India in pulses, adding that increased inclusion of pulses in large-scale food applications could enhance nutritional security for Indian consumers while creating new market opportunities for Prairie farmers.
The announcement comes as Canada and India work to repair diplomatic ties and deepen economic cooperation. Prime Minister Mark Carney said this week the two countries aim to conclude a free trade agreement by year-end, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted a goal of increasing bilateral trade to US$50 billion by 2030.
Saskatchewan has exported more than $18 billion in goods to India since 2007 and maintains a trade office in New Delhi, reinforcing its position as a key supplier of food and energy to the growing South Asian market.
