World Pulses Day

World Pulses Day is observed annually on February 10. This global event serves as a dedicated platform to recognize the importance of pulses—which include dried beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas—as a critical component of sustainable food systems and healthy diets. By highlighting these crops, the observance aims to address global challenges such as food security, soil health, and climate change. Organizations and individuals use this day to promote the nutritional value of plant-based proteins and to encourage agricultural practices that benefit both the environment and local economies across the world. ¹

History of World Pulses Day

The origins of this observance trace back to the United Nations General Assembly’s decision in December 2013 to designate 2016 as the International Year of Pulses. This initiative, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aimed to increase global awareness of the nutritional and environmental contributions of crops like beans, lentils, and chickpeas. The success of the 2016 campaign demonstrated a significant public interest in sustainable food sources, prompting a push for a permanent annual recognition.

In 2019, the General Assembly officially proclaimed February 10 as World Pulses Day. The proposal was spearheaded by Burkina Faso, highlighting the crop’s importance in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By establishing this fixed date, the UN intended to maintain the momentum from the International Year of Pulses and provide a yearly platform for governments and organizations to promote pulse production and consumption.

Why is World Pulses Day important?

Pulses are a critical tool in the global effort to eliminate hunger and malnutrition. These edible seeds of leguminous plants, which include kidney beans, navy beans, dried peas, and lentils, provide a dense source of plant-based protein and essential minerals such as iron and potassium. Because they are generally more affordable than animal proteins, they serve as a primary nutritional foundation for millions of people in developing nations and lower-income communities.

Beyond human health, pulses are vital for environmental stability and agricultural efficiency. They possess a unique biological trait that allows them to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, which naturally improves soil fertility and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. This process lowers the greenhouse gas emissions associated with fertilizer production and application. Additionally, pulses are water-efficient crops, requiring significantly less water than most meat sources to produce the same amount of protein.

• Pulses contain zero cholesterol and are naturally low in fat.
• The crops have a long shelf life which helps reduce household food waste.
• Nitrogen-fixing properties improve the health of the soil microbiome.
• Small-scale farmers use pulses as a cash crop to improve economic stability.
• Diverse pulse varieties help maintain agrobiodiversity in various climates.

How to Celebrate World Pulses Day

Celebrating this day involves bringing pulses into the kitchen and exploring their culinary versatility. One practical approach is to replace meat with lentils or beans in a favorite recipe, such as using chickpeas in a curry or black beans in tacos. Sharing these meals with friends or family provides a direct way to appreciate the flavors and textures of different legumes. Many people also use the day to learn about local pulse varieties that are native to their specific region or climate.

Community involvement can take the form of supporting local farmers’ markets or donating dried pulses to food banks, where their long storage life makes them a highly valued item. Educators and parents often use the day to teach children how seeds grow, sometimes planting a few beans in a jar to observe the germination process. Engaging with the global community on social media by sharing pulse-based recipes or facts also helps spread awareness about sustainable eating habits.

• Cook a new dish using a variety of pulses you have never tried before.
• Donate bags of dried lentils or beans to a local community pantry.
• Share a photo of your pulse-based meal on social media using the official hashtag.
• Plant a small container of beans or peas to watch them sprout at home.
• Swap one meat-based meal this week for a protein-rich bean alternative.

World Pulses Day Dates Table

1. https://worldpulsesday.org/[↩]