World Pulses Day 2025: History, Significance, and Why It Matters

World Pulses Day is celebrated annually on February 10 to raise global awareness about the importance of pulses as a sustainable and nutritious food source. The day highlights the nutritional value, food security benefits, and environmental advantages of pulses, emphasizing their role in achieving a sustainable agricultural system. The observance, backed by the United Nations (UN), serves as a platform to promote the role of pulses in eradicating hunger, improving human health, and enhancing soil fertility.

What Are Pulses?

Pulses, commonly known as legumes, are the edible seeds of leguminous plants grown primarily for food. These crops are distinct from other legumes because they are harvested solely for their dry grains. The most widely consumed pulses include:

• Dry beans (kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans)
• Lentils
• Peas (chickpeas, green peas)
• Other varieties like broad beans and cowpeas

Pulses are an integral part of various global cuisines, such as Mediterranean hummus, Indian dal, Mexican refried beans, and Middle Eastern falafel. They are rich in proteins, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a key component of a balanced diet.

History of World Pulses Day

UN Recognition of Pulses’ Role

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) recognized the potential of pulses in global food security and sustainability. In 2013, the UN adopted Resolution A/RES/68/231, which declared 2016 as the International Year of Pulses. This initiative, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aimed to spread awareness about the numerous nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses.

The Birth of World Pulses Day

Due to the success of the 2016 International Year of Pulses, the idea of continuing the initiative gained traction. The role of pulses in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was widely recognized, particularly in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 12, 13, and 15. This led Burkina Faso to propose the establishment of an annual World Pulses Day.

In 2019, the UN General Assembly officially declared February 10 as World Pulses Day, marking it as a day dedicated to promoting the cultivation and consumption of pulses worldwide.

Significance of World Pulses Day 2025

Pulses are considered a superfood due to their nutritional richness and sustainability benefits. The significance of World Pulses Day can be understood from three major perspectives:

1. Nutritional Benefits

• Rich in proteins: Pulses are a great source of plant-based protein, making them essential for vegetarians and vegans.
• Lower cholesterol: Regular consumption of pulses helps in reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) levels.
• Regulate blood sugar levels: They have a low glycemic index, which helps in managing diabetes and obesity.
• Support digestive health: High in dietary fiber, pulses aid digestion and promote gut health.

2. Food Security and Economic Stability

• Pulses serve as an affordable and accessible source of nutrition for millions of people, particularly in developing countries.
• Farmers benefit economically as pulses can be grown, consumed, and sold, ensuring food security and financial stability.
• They are drought-resistant crops, making them ideal for climate-resilient farming.

3. Environmental Sustainability

• Pulses improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
• They require less water compared to other crops, making them eco-friendly.
• Growing pulses helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a healthier planet.

World Pulses Day 2025 Theme

The theme for World Pulses Day 2025, as announced by the United Nations, is:

“Pulses: Bringing Diversity to Agrifood Systems”

This theme highlights the vital role of pulses in maintaining both above-ground and below-ground biodiversity. Pulses contribute to healthier diets and sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring food security even for the most vulnerable communities.

Key Facts About World Pulses Day 2025

• Observed annually on February 10 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
• The UN General Assembly officially designated this day in 2019.
• Pulses play a crucial role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including eradicating hunger (SDG 2) and promoting sustainable agriculture (SDG 15).
• The 2025 theme focuses on agrifood system diversity, emphasizing nutrition, soil health, and environmental sustainability.

Here’s a summarized version of the content in a tabular format:

Topic	Details
Why in News?	World Pulses Day 2025 will be observed on February 10 with the theme “Pulses: Bringing Diversity to Agrifood Systems”, highlighting the role of pulses in nutrition, soil health, and sustainability.
What are Pulses?	Pulses are edible seeds of leguminous plants, harvested for dry grains. Examples include beans, lentils, peas, chickpeas, and cowpeas. They are protein-rich, high in fiber, and essential for a balanced diet.
History	– The UNGA recognized pulses’ role in food security and sustainability in 2013. – 2016 was declared the International Year of Pulses by the UN. – Due to its success, Burkina Faso proposed World Pulses Day, and in 2019, the UN officially declared February 10 as World Pulses Day.
Significance	– Nutritional Benefits: Rich in protein, lowers cholesterol, regulates blood sugar, and supports digestion. – Food Security & Economy: Affordable nutrition, supports farmers, and climate-resilient. – Environmental Sustainability: Improves soil fertility, requires less water, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
2025 Theme	“Pulses: Bringing Diversity to Agrifood Systems” – Emphasizes pulses’ role in biodiversity, sustainable farming, and food security for vulnerable communities.
Key Facts	– Observed annually on February 10. – Declared by the UN in 2019. – Pulses contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2 & 15). – Recognized for nutritional, environmental, and economic importance.