AgrotechA CSIR-IHBT and GFI India study found five commercial plant-based meat products had 57 to 86 per cent protein bioavailability in simulated digestion, against 21 to 43 per cent for chicken, and urged India to process its own pulses and millets into protein ingredients.
CookingDry-roast pigeon pea, mung and red lentils with almonds and spices, then grind with milk powder, onion and garlic powder and cornflour, and soup is minutes away.
CropsKharif sowing stood at 1,115.31 lakh hectares on 2 October, below last year but above normal; rice lost the most area while pulses gained.
AgribusinessRice in Dhaka's retail markets has risen by Tk 2 to 5 a kilo in two weeks and some pulses by Tk 20 to 30, with flour dearer too; traders blame higher transport costs after the fuel price rise.
HealthThe Protein Sovereignty Index ranks India 17th of 43 with 62.1 points, "exposed": imports supply 68.6% of its fertiliser by value, pulse imports hit a record 7.34 million tonnes and 520 million people cannot afford a healthy diet.
AgribusinessRice, lentils and soybean oil sold at last week's prices in Dhaka's Shewrapara and Kazipara markets during the Durga Puja holiday, while farm eggs fell by Tk 10 a dozen to Tk 140.
OpinionIn a Seed World Europe column, Franco Brazzabeni says the EU's Protein Action Plan, despite a non-binding target and no budget line of its own, gives growers of soybeans and pulses and the seed sector a real opening.
CookingRaffinose and fibre in lentils cause gas for many people; washing, soaking and cooking dal thoroughly makes it easier to digest. Red lentils need half an hour to an hour, kidney beans 8 to 12 hours.
AgribusinessA 13% monsoon shortfall has cut kharif output, drought is declared in 491 talukas of Maharashtra and Karnataka, tractor sales are falling and gram prices are heading for Rs 100 a kg, Rural Voice reports, as farmers wait for relief.
AgribusinessCanada's plant-protein innovation cluster is putting C$1.3m into nine start-ups, from fava bean tofu to pea-protein sourdough, to replace imported ingredients with Canadian crops; the companies add C$600,000.
AgribusinessBeyond Meat, Quorn and plant-based trade groups have asked MEPs to reject a proposed extension of the EU ban on meat names for meat alternatives, arguing it works against the bloc's new Protein Plan and the farmers who grow protein crops.
CropsThe European Commission wants more pulses and soya grown inside the bloc as it imports 94% of its soya protein; AHDB analysts say the plan opens room for arable growers, and Ireland targets 130,000 tonnes of legumes by 2030.
Market ManagementTur, moong, soybean and sunflower will be bought at minimum support price under the Price Support Scheme in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana for kharif 2026-27.
