News in brief:
– World Pulses Day 2024 spotlights the critical role of pulses in maintaining soil health and providing vital nutrition to communities globally.
– Pulses, such as beans and chickpeas, not only enhance soil biodiversity and structure but also offer climate-resilient solutions and economic empowerment for local farmers.
In a global event held at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) headquarters on 8 Feruary 2024, the crucial role of pulses in sustaining soil health and nourishing communities took center stage.
Under the theme ‘Pulses: Nourishing Soils and People,’ the event preceded World Pulses Day 2024, observed annually on February 10.
Pulses, encompassing beans, chickpeas, and peas, emerged as key players in ensuring both human and environmental well-being. Beyond being nutritious foods, pulses contribute significantly to soil health by providing essential nutrients, fostering biodiversity, and enhancing soil structure.
Climate resilience and green impact
These crops exhibit remarkable resilience to adverse climates, such as drought and heat, optimising fertiliser use and concurrently reducing greenhouse gas emissions. FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasised their versatility, stating, “The climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and soil erosion are challenges, and pulses can be part of the solution.”
The organisation ceased the opportunity to reiterate its commitment to supporting farmers and unlocking the full potential of pulses. Keynote addresses by global leaders underscored the need to expand pulse genetic resources, invest in research and innovation, and improve production, harvesting, processing, and marketing.
Pulses are nutrient-rich and economically empowering
Pulses enhance soil health by hosting beneficial bacteria, converting nitrogen from the air into fertilisers. This not only benefits pulses but also neighboring crops, reducing the dependence on chemical fertilisers and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Pulses, with their high protein content (19-25%, and even surpassing 30% in some varieties), serve as a crucial protein source, especially for populations with limited dietary options. Beyond nutrition, pulses contribute to job creation and livelihood support, particularly for rural women, youth, and urban families involved in processing and marketing.
FAO’s ongoing initiatives on pulses
Since the designation of February 10 as World Pulses Day, FAO has been at the forefront of raising awareness about the importance of pulses. Ongoing projects around the world aim to enhance family farmers’ capacities for sustainable pulse crop production, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
In celebrating World Pulses Day, we recognise the profound impact of pulses on local farmers, promoting sustainable agriculture and resilient communities worldwide.
