February 10: World Pulses Day

11 Feb,22 9:30 am
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World Pulses Day 2022: World Pulses Day is celebrated on February 10 every year across the world to raise awareness about the importance of pulses.

Key Points:

  • The day has been celebrated since 2019 by the United Nations (UN).
  • The day has been established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to recognize the importance of pulses such as lentils, dry peas, dry beans, chickpeas, lupins as a global food.
  • These pulses are affordable for large sections of the population.
  • The day also highlights the need for increased access to these crops among underprivileged sections of the global population.

World Pulses Day 2022 theme:

  • World Pulses Day 2022 is under the theme “Pulses to empower youth in achieving sustainable agrifood systems”.
  • Pulses are important for a healthy diet.
  • This day aims to raise awareness and recognize the contribution of pulses to sustainable food systems and the healthy food cycles.

History of the day:

  • In 2018, the UN General Assembly decided to mark 10 February as World Pulses Day.
  • The first WPD was held on February 10, 2019.
  • On 20 December 2013, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/68/231) proclaiming 2016 as the International Year of Pulses (IYP).

About Pulses:

  • Pulses also known as legumes are the edible seeds of leguminous plants cultivated for food.
  • Dried beans, lentils and peas are the most commonly known and consumed types of pulses
  • They contain a variety of nutrients, substantial amount of minerals, vitamins and source of protein.

Significance of Pulses:

  • Pulses are important in terms of food security, nutritional value and environmental benefits.
  • These crops are also useful in climate change mitigation.
  • They can reduce dependence on artificial fertilizers for inducing nutrients such as nitrogen into the soil.
  • Legumes improve soil fertility and soil biodiversity.
  • They keep harmful pests away.
  • They can be useful for controlling health issues such as obesity, high blood sugar and cholesterol. According to the UN, legumes have also been recommended by health organizations for management of heart conditions and diabetes.
  • They are also an important source of income.
  • Farmers can cultivate pulses for both personal consumption and sale, which can help them maintain economic stability and food security.

About FAO:

  • FAO refers to The Food and Agricultural Organization.
  • The FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security.
  • It was founded on 16 October 1945..
  • The FAO is headquartered in Rome, Italy.
  • It is composed of 197 member states.
  • It is governed by a biennial conference representing each member country and the European Union, which elects a 49-member executive council.

Initiatives of FAO:

  • World Food Summits are convened by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
  • The first food summit, the "World Food Conference", took place in Rome in 1974.
  • The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is a 1951 multilateral treaty overseen by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

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