World Pulses Day 2026 will be observed on 10 February 2026, drawing global attention to the importance of pulses in nutrition, sustainable farming, and environmental protection. Recognized by the United Nations, the day highlights how simple foods like lentils, beans, and chickpeas play a powerful role in fighting hunger, improving soil health, and supporting climate-resilient agriculture. From farmers to policymakers, World Pulses Day connects food choices with global sustainability goals.
When Is World Pulses Day Celebrated
- World Pulses Day is celebrated every year on 10 February.
- The day has been officially observed since 2019, after being designated by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2018.
- It builds on the success of the International Year of Pulses 2016, which showcased pulses as essential crops for food security and sustainable development.
Why World Pulses Day Is Celebrated
- World Pulses Day was established to promote the long-term value of pulses beyond a single year of awareness.
- The day aims to encourage healthy diets, support sustainable food systems, strengthen farmer livelihoods, reduce hunger and malnutrition, and improve soil fertility and biodiversity.
- In simple terms, it celebrates pulses as food for people, soil, and the planet.
World Pulses Day Theme 2026
- The theme for World Pulses Day 2026 is “Pulses of the World: From Modesty to Excellence.”
- It highlights how humble crops like lentils, peas, beans, and chickpeas have evolved into globally recognized nutrient-rich foods.
- The theme also reflects the growing role of pulses in modern diets, culinary innovation, and climate-smart agriculture.
Key Focus Areas of World Pulses Day 2026
- The 2026 observance highlights the transformation of pulses from basic staples to global superfoods.
- It promotes international collaboration, with the main global event hosted with the Kingdom of Spain in Valladolid.
- The celebrations combine science and food culture, while reinforcing support for the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, especially food security and climate action.
What Are Pulses?
- Pulses are dry edible seeds of legume plants grown for food. They are rich in protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals and are a staple in diets across the world.
Examples and Types of Pulses
- Common pulses include chickpeas, lentils, dry beans, dry peas, and lupins. Lentils are rich in iron and protein, chickpeas provide fibre and plant protein, dry beans support heart health, and peas and lupins are known for climate resilience.
- These crops are affordable, nutritious, and culturally diverse.
Importance of Pulses for Health and Environment
- Pulses are low in fat, help control blood sugar and cholesterol, and support heart health and weight management.
- Environmentally, they fix nitrogen in soil, require less water, have a low carbon footprint, and improve biodiversity.
- This makes pulses ideal climate-smart crops.
World Pulses Day and India
- India is one of the largest producers and consumers of pulses globally.
- World Pulses Day encourages Indian farmers to adopt crop rotation and intercropping with pulses to improve soil health, productivity, and income.
- Along with this also \supporting national nutrition goals.
About Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- Overview: Specialized UN agency leading international efforts to defeat hunger; established in October 1945.
- Mandate: Improve nutrition, boost agricultural productivity, raise rural living standards, and support global economic growth.
- Functions: Coordinates government and technical programs in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and land/water resources; serves as a forum for negotiations and a source of technical knowledge.
- Membership & Funding: 195 members (194 countries + EU); funded by member contributions; India is a founding member.
- Reports & Headquarters: Publishes SOFO, SOFIA, SOCO, and SOFI reports, headquartered in Rome, Italy.
Question
Q. World Pulses Day is observed every year on:
A. 5 February
B. 8 February
C. 10 February
D. 12 February
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