Pulses: Nourishes Soils and People
India having largest pulse-milling industry in world. Approximately 76% of global processing & milling capacity of pulses located in India. Pulses comes under leguminous family use for both food & feed purpose. Pulses are packed with all nutrients, having high protein content. Also gives great benefits on food security, good dealing capacity with climate change & biodiversity.
What are Leguminous Plants?
Leguminosae family is the third-largest family of flowering plants. These plants root have tendency to form association with various bacteria. We called this relationship as a symbiotic relationship, where both gets benefitted. These bacteria enters the roots and form swollen areas known as Nodules. Bacteria resides in this nodules & absorb nutrients from host plants. Also in return bacteria incorporate atmospheric nitrogen & convert it into available form for plant to absorb.
International Year of Pulses (IYP)
Building on the success of the International Year of Pulses (IYP) in 2016, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) designated 10 February as World Pulses Day (WPD). With the slogan #LovePulses for a healthy diet and planet.
With the assistance of governments, the private sector, Members, partners, and general public, let’s come together to celebrate, acknowledge, and endorse the production and consumption of pulses within sustainable food systems and nutritious diets.
Theme for 2024
The health of soil serves as the foundation of food security and an essential element of sustainable agrifood systems. This year’s celebration, themed “Pulses: Nourishing Soils and People,” offers a chance to spotlight the role of pulses in boosting soil microbial activity and its positive impacts on human life.
Pulses Qualities
- low in fat and contain no cholesterol, help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Pulses are also low in sodium. Sodium chloride – or salt – is a contributor to hypertension
- Great source of plant-based protein. (100 grams of dry lentils contain a remarkable 25 grams of protein! In cooking, pulses absorb considerable amounts of water thus reducing their protein content to around 8 percent. )
- Good source of iron, High in potassium.
- Excellent source of folate –Essential for the nervous system function and especially important during pregnancy to avoid foetal defects.
- Can be stored for a long time
- Low glycaemic index foods
- Pulses are naturally gluten-free.
Pulses hold significant value for farmers as they serve as a dual purpose: they can be sold in market and also can be consumed by farmers, ensure food security & economic stability. Also, the, nitrogen-fixing capacity of pulses enhance soil fertility, thereby augmenting and prolonging farmland productivity. Through practices like intercropping and cover cropping with pulses, farmers can foster farm and soil biodiversity while effectively managing pests and diseases.
Through initiatives like World Pulses Day, we can continue to promote the consumption of pulses and policies that support sustainable agriculture and food systems, ultimately creating a more equitable and resilient world for all.
One thing each of us can do is eat more pulses! Afterall Pulses not only provide food for humankind but also keep soils healthy!
#LovePulses #WorldPulsesDay!
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