Pulses have been around for centuries, and they continue to play a fundamental role in our efforts to build a sustainable and food-secure future for all.
Pulses have accompanied humankind since even before the cultivation and domestication of cereals. They are inextricably linked to the first civilizations that developed in the Fertile Crescent—where agriculture had its origin some 10,000 years ago. Among the eight Neolithic founder crops (the earliest cultivated plants) are four pulses: lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia [L.] Willd.). Although pulses have existed for a while, their contribution to food security, good health and the environment is just starting to be fully acknowledged.
As we continue to face multiple crises, today’s global problems require coordinated and effective action. For farmers, pulses are an important crop. When farmers include pulses in multiple cropping systems, they promote sustainable farming practices that contribute to enriching the soil with nutrients, lead to better growing conditions, reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and promote biodiversity.
Pulses are versatile and can grow in very poor soils. This means that they can be grown where other crops cannot be cultivated, and their deeper and more abundant roots allow them to withstand drought better. This is particularly valuable in places where drought is persistent.
Pulses are also an important component of the response of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in emergencies. We work to support famers getting back on their feet, providing them with the seeds and inputs they need, which will allow them to have a source of food when humanitarian aid ceases and strengthen their resilience. Bean seeds are one of the preferred options because their high protein content protects their longevity, and they can be stored under ambient conditions without losing viability that affects yields. Since pulses have a high level of protein, which can be three times more than that found in cereals, they have nutritional benefits that are critical for vulnerable populations in crises. Furthermore, pulses can be preserved for long periods without the need for energy-intensive food preservation methods and without losing their nutritional value.
We need to scale up our effort to end world hunger and all forms of malnutrition for a soaring global population, which is expected to reach almost 10 billion by 2050. The numbers of undernourished people worldwide continue to rise, with as many as 828 million people affected by hunger in 2021. The world is off track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular Zero Hunger (SDG 2). We must therefore leverage the potential of pulses to play a major role in addressing global environmental and food security challenges, while contributing to healthy and affordable diets.
Pulses have a broad genetic diversity, from which the necessary traits for adapting to future climate scenarios can be obtained through the development of climate-resilient cultivars. Science, technology and innovation are critical to responding to this pressing need.
We must continue building on partnerships that leverage capabilities. Of particular importance is our strong collaboration with the Research Centres, through which we can improve the varieties of pulses. A diversity of pulses will be key for mitigating and adapting to the impacts of the climate crisis.
We have seen that the benefits of pulses are vast, yet these foods are most widely known for their nutritional and health aspects. Pulses are an important, low-fat and affordable source of protein. They also contain important vitamins such as folate and essential minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc. The high fibre content of pulses can help to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The low glycaemic index of pulses has been shown to attenuate blood glucose, which also reduces the risk of diabetes.
Recognizing their value, the United Nations General Assembly, by of 20 December 2018, proclaimed 10 February as . The observance builds on the success of the , the implementation of which was also led by FAO. World Pulses Day represents a unique opportunity to highlight the role of pulses in more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, and to continue to shine a light on how pulses can contribute to food security through better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all, leaving no one behind.
World Pulses Day Event – 10 February 2023 (14:00-15:30 CET)
This year’s theme is “Pulses for a Sustainable Future”. Join the virtual event!
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