PURPOSE: The United Nations General Assembly has designated 10 February as World Pulses Day to recognize the importance of pulse crops like chickpeas, dry beans and lentils as a global food. Pulses are the edible seeds of leguminous plants cultivated for both food and feed. Beans, chickpeas and peas are the most well known and commonly consumed types of pulses, but there are several more types of pulses from around the world, all with great benefits for food security, nutrition, health, climate change and biodiversity. The Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the nutritional benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production with the aim of enhancing food security and nutrition.
FORUM: “Pulses: nourishing soils and people.” World Pulses Day 2024. Soil health is the foundation of food security and a key component of sustainable agrifood systems. This year’s celebration, under the theme Pulses: nourishing soils and people, will be an opportunity to highlight how pulses help increase soil microbial activity and how that benefits people. Their roots foster the growth of organisms that are responsible for enhancing soil structure and nutrient availability. The resulting high soil biodiversity therefore provides ecosystems with greater resistance and resilience against disturbance and stress. Thus, the inclusion of pulses in crop production systems can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year, the campaign will raise awareness about pulses as key to healthy soils and people with the theme “Pulses: nourishing soils and people”. Production of the people’s food relies on soils. Healthy soils not only provide the basis of food security but also provide the minerals needed to avoid malnutrition, growth stunting and other nutrient deficiency related illness such as anaemia. Therefore, pulses not only provide food for humankind but also keep soils healthy. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #WorldPulsesDay; #LovePulses; #10February.
EVENTS: The global celebration of World Pulses Day 2024, set to take place on Thursday 8 February, 12.30-14.30 (CET), will offer a unique opportunity to highlight the role of pulses as a sustainable option for diversification of agricultural production systems contributing to healthy soils, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems in a changing climate and environment. With the help of governments, the private sector, Members, partners and the general public, let’s celebrate, recognize and support the production and consumption of pulses as part of sustainable food systems and healthy diets. Register to participate to watch the webcast!
PODCASTS : Pulses such as lentils, chickpeas and beans are often overlooked on the dinner table. But their true value as a cheap but healthy source of nutrition is now being acknowledged. With the help of nuclear techniques, improved varieties of pulses have been developed, and the role they play in improving soil quality enhanced. Listen to the audio-podcast!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: “Pulses: nourishing soils and people.” The FAO works to facilitate the observance and support the production and consumption of pulses as part of sustainable food systems and healthy diets. Explore the World Pulses Day 2024 action tookit and Get the communication toolkits!
WHY WE CELEBRATE IT?
Building on the success of the International Year of Pulses (IYP) in 2016 implemented by FAO and recognizing the potential of pulses to further achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) designated February 10th as World Pulses Day (WPD). The objectives of the Day is to raise awareness of the role of pulses in addressing food security challenges, to recognize the contribution of pulses to sustainable food systems and in achieving a healthy and balanced diet.
ACTIONS
Present pulses as an attractive and healthy food option by introducing recipes and teach to audiences how to cook, store, and use them.
Make food choices that improve both our health and that of our agrifood systems
Teach that the benefits of plant protein can help provide more varied menu options and encourage people to eat healthily.
Educate young people on the importance of adding pulses to their diets as means to promote healthy eating habits
Help food businesses, including vendors, restaurants and service companies to promote pulses to the public.
Invest in, develop and adapt processes that can transform agrifood systems to be more sustainable
Implement strategies, including effective trade policies that benefit smallholder farmers who produce pulses
Get involved in activities.
PARTNERS
The World Pulses Day is organized by the Food and Organization (FAO); World Food Programme (WFP), the Global Pulse Confederation the IFAD, CGIAR, USA Pulses; Pulses Australia; Agricultural and Processed food products export development authority of India. With the help of governments, the private sector, Members and partner organizations, the public and youth.
Make a donation.
Conservation agriculture aims to achieve sustainable and profitable agriculture and improved livelihoods of farmers. Let’s contribute in initiating cultivators in planting pulses; Help renovate a facility that will allow researchers and Pulses farmers to grow crops all year round.