World Pulses Day

World Pulses Day
● Building on the success of the 'International Year of Pulses' in 2016 implemented by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the role of pulses to further achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) designated February 10 as 'World Pulses Day'.
● The celebration presents a unique opportunity to raise public awareness about pulses and the fundamental role they play in the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life.
● With the help of governments, the private sector, member and partner organisations, the public and youth, FAO works to facilitate the observance of this International Day and support the production and consumption of pulses as part of sustainable food systems and healthy diets.
● Pulses, also known as legumes, are the edible seeds of leguminous plants grown for food. Dried beans, lentils and peas are the most commonly known and consumed types of pulses.
● Pulses can lower cholesterol and help control blood sugar. Because of these properties, they are recommended by health organizations for the management of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart conditions. Pulses is also proved helpful in fighting obesity.
● For farmers, pulses are an important crop because they can both sell and consume them, which helps farmers maintain household food security and create economic stability.
● Nitrogen-fixing property of pulses improves soil fertility. This increases the productivity of the farmland. By using pulses for intercropping, farmers can also promote farm biodiversity and soil biodiversity, while keeping harmful pests and diseases at bay.
● Furthermore, pulses can contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers used to introduce nitrogen artificially into the soil.
● Based on the benefits of pulses to agrifood systems and the environment, the theme of 'World Pulses Day, 2023' was 'Pulses for a sustainable future'.