World Pulses Day 2021, February 10

 The U.N. General Assembly (UNGA) designated 10 February as World Pulses Day to reaffirm the contribution of pulses for sustainable agriculture and achieving the 2030 Agenda. 

Theme: Love Pulses for a healthy diet and planet.

In recognition of World Pulses Day, The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization will host a virtual discussion on February 11 th, to raise awareness about the crucial role of pulses for sustainable food production, food security and healthy diets. The UNGA has invited FAO, in collaboration with other organizations, to facilitate the observance of World Pulses Day.

Following the success of the International Year of Pulses (IYP) 2016, World Pulses Day is a new opportunity to heighten public awareness of the nutritional benefits of eating pulses. Pulses are more than just nutritious seeds, they contribute to sustainable food systems and a #ZeroHunger world. The IYP highlighted the role of pulses in sustainable food production aimed towards improving food security and nutrition.

Importance in diets  

Pulses are an important source of protein, especially for vegetarians or for people who do not get enough protein by eating meat, fish or dairy. Furthermore, pulses are a healthy choice for meat-eaters, helping cut off excess fat from diets, and contain zero cholesterol. They are also a good source of dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals, especially iron and zinc.  

In terms of gram-for-gram nutritional value, pulses are also far cheaper than meats or other sources of protein, offering an economical alternative.  

Improving agriculture sustainability 

The nitrogen-fixing properties of pulses improve soil fertility, increasing and extending the productivity of the farmland. In many regions, farmers plant legumes along with other crops, a practice known as intercropping, to improve yield and promote soil biodiversity. 

Pulse crops are also known to fight off plant disease-causing pests, thereby reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Pulses also produce a smaller carbon footprint, indirectly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and contributing to climate action.