World Pulses Day: Know History, Significance & Theme of This International Day

The date for World Pulses Day 2022 is Thursday, February 10, 2022. In the year 2022, World Pulses Day will be marked for the fourth time on Thursday, February 10th. This Day is used as an opportunity to increase awareness about the power of pulses for global health.

Why do we celebrate World Pulses Day? History & Significance

Pulses have a long history since they have been a major source of human and animal nourishment for over ten thousand years. However, their significance was defined when, as a result of hunger, poverty, and food scarcity, the world's worry grew to reach the new aims to feed a mass population via a nutritious, hygienic, and appropriate diet.

With increased economic, social, and environmental uncertainty, as well as hunger-based economic depravity in mind, it was declared that the 10th of February should be marked as an International Day of Pulses and that the worldwide pulse rate of production would be doubled again by 2050.

What is the theme of World Pulses Day 2022?

After being designated as the International Year of Pulses, the theme "Nutritious Seeds for a Sustainable Future" was chosen in the year 2016. The theme of World Pulses Day 2022, according to the United Nations, is 'Pulses to empower youth in achieving sustainable agri-food systems.' The program will focus on testimonies and viewpoints from representatives of youth organizations.

Pulses: A Significant Contributor to the sustainability of food systems

To know about their contribution to the sustainability of the food ecosystem, it is important to understand what they are. Pulses are small plants or legume branches with edible seeds, such as peas, chickpeas, beans, and lentils. Pulses vary from crops in that pulses are harvested after the seeds are dried, whilst crops are harvested while the plants are still green.

Pulses, and legume species in general, lead to food system sustainability and serve as one of the driving factors of healthy diets. These species serve as the foundation for the diversification of agricultural systems, which contributes to Better Production. Pulses are especially essential for sustainable crop production because of their potential to fix atmospheric nitrogen and, in certain circumstances, promote phosphorous turnover, helping to optimize soil nutrient utilization and creating a Better Environment.

In addition to the Nutritional benefits of Pulses, there are also anti-Nutritional Factors that should be taken into the consideration.