Why Pulses Matter More Than You Think: Celebrating World Pulses Day

Let’s take a moment to appreciate some of the smallest yet mightiest foods on our plates, pulses! Today, on World Pulses Day, we’re shining a light on these humble superfoods that not only fuel our bodies but also nourish the soil beneath our feet. You may not think much of a bowl of lentils or chickpeas, but trust me, these tiny powerhouses are game changers in nutrition, agriculture, and sustainability.

So, What Are Pulses, Anyway?

Pulses are dry-harvested legumes, including lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas. They are among the most widely eaten food groups worldwide, and for good reason. Packed with protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, they offer a cheaper, healthier, and more eco-friendly alternative to meat and fish (FAO, 2021). For students looking for affordable ways to eat nutritiously, pulses are a fantastic choice, you get high-quality protein without breaking the bank.

Pulses: A Climate-Friendly Choice

Besides being great for your health, pulses are also a sustainability superstar. Producing 1 kilogram of beef requires around 13,000 litres of water, whereas 1 kilogram of lentils only needs 1,250 litres (Mekonnen and Hoekstra, 2012). That’s over ten times more efficient! If you live in an area prone to drought, pulses are a smart crop, they grow well in arid conditions and help conserve water.

But it doesn’t stop there. Pulses are also natural soil enhancers. Unlike many other crops, pulses fix nitrogen in the soil, meaning they take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that plants can use. This reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, cutting costs for farmers while protecting the environment (Giller, 2001). Plus, they work brilliantly as cover crops or in intercropping systems, where they help increase soil fertility, control pests, and improve overall farm biodiversity.

Promoting Dietary Diversity and Accessibility

In many parts of Africa, food security remains a challenge, and diet diversity is often limited. Pulses provide an affordable source of essential nutrients, particularly for low-income populations (Sibhatu and Qaim, 2018). Incorporating pulses into daily meals can help combat malnutrition by delivering plant-based proteins, iron, and B vitamins at a fraction of the cost of animal products. Their versatility also means they can be prepared in a variety of delicious ways, from stews and soups to salads and snacks.

This Year’s Theme: “Bringing Diversity to Agrifood Systems”

Biodiversity is a hot topic in modern farming. With climate change and economic pressures making agriculture more challenging, farmers, especially agripreneurs, are looking for ways to build resilience. This year’s World Pulses Day theme, “Bringing Diversity to Agrifood Systems”, highlights the crucial role pulses play in improving farm ecosystems. When farmers integrate pulses into their crop rotations, they create healthier, more productive farms that support everything from soil microbes to pollinators like bees (FAO, 2024).

Join the Celebration!

Want to learn more? The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is hosting a conference on World Pulses Day to discuss how Pulses can help the world. The event will be streamed online from 16:00 CET to 19:00 CET, so if you’re curious about how pulses can change the future of farming, don’t miss it! You can also explore more resources about pulses on the FAO website (www.fao.org).So next time you enjoy a plate of beans or lentil stew, remember, you’re not just eating well, you’re also supporting sustainable agriculture. 

Happy World Pulses Day! 🌱🎉

References

• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 2021. The Importance of Pulses in Sustainable Food Systems. FAO. Available at: <www.fao.org>
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 2024. World Pulses Day 2024: Bringing Diversity to Agrifood Systems. FAO. Available at: <www.fao.org>
• Giller, K.E., 2001. Nitrogen Fixation in Tropical Cropping Systems. 2nd ed. Wallingford: CABI Publishing.
• Mekonnen, M.M. and Hoekstra, A.Y., 2012. The Water Footprint of Humanity. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(9), pp.3232-3237.
• Sibhatu, K.T. and Qaim, M., 2018. Meta-analysis of the Association Between Production Diversity, Dietary Diversity, and Nutrition in Smallholder Farm Households. Food Policy, 77, pp.1-18.

Alex Cawdery

Social Media Intern

Agripreneurship Alliance

10 February 2025