An official United Nations global event, World Pulses Day celebrates the importance of pulses (such as chickpeas, dry beans, and lentils) as a staple diet for the world’s population. The General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed it on February 10 of each year beginning 2019 on December 20, 2018.
Pulses can play a crucial role in realizing the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’s goals and ambitions, which aspires to improve global peace. The world’s rapidly expanding population might, in short, be fed with pulses more sustainably.
Due to their reduced carbon footprint, pulse crops are better for the environment than most other foods. There is less water usage since they can withstand the stress of being in semi-arid settings. There are several reasons why pulses have become an important part of farming in low-income rural areas: they are cheap, easy to store, nutritious, and they can help improve soil microbiota.
Origin of World Pulses Day 2024
On December 20, 2013, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution (A/RES/68/231) designating 2016 as the International Year of Pulses, recognizing their importance (IYP). The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized the celebration of the year, which enhanced public awareness of the nutritional and environmental advantages of pulses as part of sustainable food production.
World Pulses Day was suggested by Burkina Faso following the International Year of Pulses, which was a success and recognized the potential of pulses to contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in relation to Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 12 and 15.
World Pulses Day 2024 Date
10 February was designated as World Pulses Day by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019. On World Pulses Day, the dry, edible seeds are promoted. Beans, peas, and lentils are all types of pulses that belong to the legume family. A crop like pulses provides farmers with food security and improves soil fertility and biodiversity, according to the United Nations. In addition, they are a good source of nourishment.
| Event name | Day | Date |
| World Pulses Day 2024 | Saturday | 10th February 2024 |
What is the Purpose of World Pulses Day?
With the help of World Pulses Day, we can make people aware of the nutritional advantages of pulses in sustainable food production, in an effort to improve global food security and nutrition for all people.
The FAO declared 2016 to be the International Year of Pulses, and World Pulses Day hopes to keep the enthusiasm going.
Ideas For World Pulses Day Celebrations
The ideal approach to commemorate World Pulses Day is to prepare and consume pulses in your favorite dishes. New meals including legumes like lentils and beans should be experimented with.
It’s possible to visit a nearby farm where pulses are grown and witness how the crops are grown. Learn about pulses’ impact on soil biodiversity and fertility from the farmers themselves.
Anyone who appreciates the nutritious value of pulses can participate in the celebration. However, farmers and health groups throughout the world commemorate World Pulses Day primarily as a day dedicated to pulses. Pulses are a staple food in many nations, including India, Nigeria, Ethiopia, China, Turkey, and Niger, thus this is a very significant day for those countries.
As World Pulses Day is still relatively new, you may spread the word about the health benefits of pulses to your friends and family. Vegetables, such as beans, might also be recommended to them.
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Facts related to Word Pulses Day
As a result of their importance in contributing to a more sustainable food supply, the United Nations included pulses in its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. World Pulses Day is an opportunity for the UN to promote public awareness about the importance of pulses.
- Pulses, which are rich in nutrients, can help lower blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and prevent obesity. Because pulses are a great source of protein, you may celebrate World Pulses Day by consuming them.
- Additionally, pulses’ nitrogen-fixing qualities aid in the improvement of soil quality. Pulses, when grown for intercropping, can help to increase agricultural biodiversity. For this reason, World Pulses Day has been established.
- This was the first time pulses were celebrated, and the world learned of the benefits they provide to our daily lives as a result.
- There was a “love pulses” World Pulses Day theme in 2021. In order to enhance public awareness of pulses’ role in sustainable food systems, a themed celebration of World Pulse Day seemed an excellent choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Food systems that use pulses and food production that use pulses are both sustainable. Many nutritional and environmental advantages come from their use, as well as their contribution to food security.
This annual event honors pulses as a staple food across the world and raises awareness about their role in ensuring food security.
These include lentils, pigeon peas, green peas, chickpeas, black chickpeas, and horse gram.
