AgForce has given the thumbs up to a new guide that supports Queensland’s rapidly expanding $264 million chickpea and pulses industry.
The State Government’s $1 million , developed by Queensland researchers, is Australia’s most comprehensive guide for storing pulses and managing pests.
AgForce Grains Board President Brendan Taylor said the guide would help growers maximise profitability and further strengthen Queensland’s reputation for supplying premium quality, pest-free pulses in a highly competitive international market.
“Pulses is a commodity that offers exciting market diversification,” he said.
“This guide supports growers to capitalise on opportunities as well as enabling them to best store their harvest and grow our industry further.”
Most pulses grown in Australia are exported, earning almost $2 billion annually, with Queensland’s chickpeas and mungbeans valued at around $264 million in 2020-21.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the new guide had been three years in the making.
“Chickpeas and mungbeans are an essential food for millions of people globally, and Australia is known for having among the highest standards in the world for pulse exports.”
“Maintaining the highest quality and the best prices relies heavily on how pulses are stored after harvest,” he said.
“The guide will be a key reference manual for pulse growers, exporters and other stakeholders, with a wealth of information about hygiene, aeration and fumigation for the storage of pulses.”
