The Pulse Paradox: Global Ambitions, Local Realities, and the Battle for Protein Sovereignty
The Pulse Paradox: Global Ambitions, Local Realities, and the Battle for Protein Sovereignty In the quiet fields of Montana and the bustling markets of Mumbai, a silent revolution is reshaping the global food system. Pulses—beans, lentils, and peas—are no longer merely subsistence crops; they have become strategic assets in a world grappling with climate change, protein insecurity, and trade nationalism. As we move through 2026, the narrative is fraught with contradiction: the United States seeks to dominate exports while India races toward self-sufficiency; consumers demand plant-based innovation yet resist the "humble bean"; and prices remain stable even as input costs soar. This article explores the multifaceted landscape of the pulse industry, where agricultural tradition collides with high-tech industrialization, revealing a market on the brink of a bifurcation. The American Harvest: Production and Export Ambitions The United States stands as a significant ...