IPGA, Ukraine Pulse Association ink MoU to boost pulse trade at AgroFoodSummit 2025
A major theme throughout the Summit was the shifting structure of global agricultural trade and the increasingly vital links between the Black Sea region and Asia.
UKRAINE – The India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) and the Ukraine Pulse and Soybean Association has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the AgroFoodSummit 2025 in Mersin, marking a significant step toward expanding cooperation in the production, promotion, and trade of pulses between the two major agricultural markets.
Held from November 19 to 21 in Mersin, Türkiye, the AgroFoodSummit 2025 brought together delegates from 34 countries, making the city a focal point for international dialogue on grains, oilseeds, pulses, and agricultural logistics.
The event was organized by the Ukraine Pulse and Soybean Association and APK-Inform Agency, with the support of Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture and the Global Pulse Confederation (GPC).
High-level participation also came from Türkiye’s Union of Municipalities, the Presidential Food and Agriculture Policy Board, the Turkish Grain Board (TMO), the Mediterranean Exporter Associations (AKİB), and the Mersin Commodity Exchange.
A major theme throughout the Summit was the shifting structure of global agricultural trade and the increasingly vital links between the Black Sea region and Asia.
Delegates examined rising demand for value-added products, rapid market growth in India and Türkiye, and expanding opportunities across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
Ahead of the main sessions, participants toured the facilities of Arbel (AGT), one of the world’s largest pulse processors.
The visit offered insights into Türkiye’s industrial capabilities, AGT’s modernization investments, and the stringent quality and raw material standards required for stable supply chains serving the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
Highlighting Ukraine’s role as a key global supplier, leader in grain, pulses, and oilseed production, Antonina Sklyarenko, President of the Ukraine Pulse and Soybean Association said that strengthening cooperation with Türkiye, India, and the EU is essential, as the stability of global markets depends on continuous dialogue and data exchange.
“Ukraine is a global leader in grain, pulses, and oilseed production. This is exactly why we organized and held AgroFoodSummit 2025,” he said.
Participants also emphasized Türkiye’s growing importance in agricultural logistics.
“Türkiye plays a leading role in global trade of pulses and their processed products, and cooperation with Ukraine, India, and Central Asia is strategically important,” said Huseyin Arslan, Chairman of AGT Foods/Arbel.
He added that Mersin is a major logistics hub, and AgroFoodSummit 2025 helps strengthen trade flows.
The MoU between IPGA and the Ukraine Pulse and Soybean Association was one of the Summit’s key outcomes, especially as India continues to strengthen its position as the world’s largest consumer of pulses.
“Indian demand already creates a potentially billion-dollar opportunity for Ukraine. India can become a stable importer of Ukrainian yellow peas, and, with further development, chickpeas as well, said Bimal Kothari, Chairman of IPGA.
He urged Ukrainian producers to increase lentil production, noting that the MoU will help expand trade and strengthen business ties between India and Ukraine. “As a result, we expect Ukrainian pulse exports to grow,” he said.
The Summit concluded with a visit to the Mersin International Port (MIP), ranked among the world’s top 20 container hubs.
Delegates were briefed on the port’s cargo handling systems, automation investments, and strategic trade routes.
“In 2024, MIP handled 67 million tonnes of cargo and 1.93 million TEU, covering 16% of Türkiye’s market and 72% of the Eastern Mediterranean. We are now implementing a full automation project that will add an additional 1 million TEU of capacity,” noted Mehmet Halit Bezek, MIP Head of Conventional Cargo and Value-Added Services.
Several business contracts were finalized during the Summit, with more negotiations now entering advanced stages.
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