The Canadian Federal government has pledged several hundred million dollars as financial support to growers in Saskatchewan and other prairie regions affected by extremely wet weather conditions this growing season.

Breadbasket

Termed as ‘AgRecovery' funding, the value of support is an estimated $448 million. Known as the breadbasket of Canada, Saskatchewan province and the prairie regions mainly grow grains (wheat and pulses) and oilseeds (canola) among other crops.

A large part of the output is exported out of the country.

Saskatchewan's 18,000 pulse growers produce pea, bean and lentil, a significant part of which is exported.

India is the biggest market for these crops.

Last two years, the region has been facing extreme weather conditions in the form of excessive and prolonged periods of precipitation that affected crop output and quality.

Welcoming the announcement, Mr Lee Moats, Chairman, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (Association) said that the financial support will improve the growers' competitiveness and help them access markets around the world when production returns to normal.

The AgRecovery programme allows governments to respond when disaster strikes a region and to address gaps not covered by existing programmes.

Welfare initiative

This specific initiative will provide support of $30/acre for crop land that could not be seeded as of June 20, 2011, and crop land that was seeded but then flooded out on or before July 31.

“The goal is to help farmers gain relief from current environmental challenges and to go on to continue producing top-quality product,” the Canadian Federal Agriculture Minister, Mr Gerry Ritz, said.

Meanwhile, the world pulses trade is keenly watching developments in India, decidedly the world's largest producer, importer and consumer. Acreage has slipped in the kharif 2011 planting.

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