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Pulses: nourishing soils and people

Pulses are the edible seeds of leguminous plants cultivated for both food and feed. Beans (Phaseolus and Vigna), chickpeas and peas are the most well-known and commonly consumed types of pulses, but there are several varieties more from around the world, all with great benefits on food security, nutrition, health, climate change, and biodiversity.

Why a World Pulses Day?

Building on the success of the International Year of Pulses (IYP) in 2016 implemented by FAO and recognizing the potential of pulses to further achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) designated 10 February as World Pulses Day (WPD).

This celebration presents a unique opportunity to raise public awareness about pulses and the fundamental role they play in the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

With the help of governments, the private sector, Members and partner organizations, the public and youth, FAO works to facilitate the observance of this international day and support the production and consumption of pulses as part of sustainable food systems and healthy diets.

Did you know?

Pulses are nutrient-dense, providing a good source of vitamins and minerals that are vital for good health

Pulses have a long shelf-life and help to increase the diversity of diets, while reducing food loss and waste

Pulses in multiple cropping systems enhance agrobiodiversity, climate change resilience and ecosystem services

Pulses fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, contributing to improving soil biodiversity and fertility

Including pulses in crop rotations can improve chemical fertilizer use efficiency

Pulses provide employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for rural women and youth

Pulses: nourishing soils and people

Highlights

Red, green, white, black, brown… name a colour and we can give you a pulse! And what exactly is a pulse, you might ask? Well, pulses are a sub-group of legumes that are harvested for their dry seeds. Browse this FAO stories dedicated to these tiny, multi-coloured seeds and find out why you should include pulses in your diet!

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Pulses and soils: a dynamic duo

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Nature's nutritious seeds: 10 reasons why you should opt for pulses

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For the love of pulses!

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How to get kids to eat pulses

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Young people reconnecting to ancestral food systems

Pulses for a sustainable future

Pulses have been around for ages! They grow almost all over the world, giving so much and asking for so little, pulses provide benefits other plants can only dream of.

Infographics

Check out this series of infographics based on the five fact sheets produced for the International Year of Pulses. Learn how pulses contributes to ensure food security, mainstream biodiversity, human health and nutrition, and how they help addressing climate change challenges.