Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2026; 8th Annual day
Coordinator: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Objectives:
World Pulses Day is annually observed for the following purposes:
- To raise awareness about the nutritional benefits of pulses.
- To highlight the pulses’ contribution to sustainable food systems
- To recognize the role of pulses in reducing world hunger and achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.
Inception:
The first World Pulses Day was officially held on February 10, 2019.
History:
On 20 December 2013, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/68/231) and proclaimed 2016 the International Year of Pulses.
In 2016, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) led the celebration of the International Year of Pulses. The event increased public awareness about pulses’ nutritional and environmental benefits.
In 2018, Burkina Faso, a landlocked West African nation, proposed the global observance of World Pulses Day to the United Nations.
On December 20, 2018, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution A/RES/73/251, proclaiming February 10 as World Pulses Day.
Since 2019, World Pulses Day has been celebrated yearly as a global event and supported by many member nations.
Why Do We Mark World Pulses Day?
Pulses—also known as legumes—are the edible, dried seeds of leguminous plants in various varieties. They come in various colors, shapes, and sizes. Pulses, including beans, peas, lupins, and lentils, are packed with essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them important and healthy superfoods.
In the regions where meat and dairy are not accessible or affordable for people, pulses are effective in overcoming poverty and malnutrition. In some developing countries, pulses comprise about 75% of the average diet. Pulses are also critical for maintaining food safety as they can keep longer without losing their high nutritional composition.
Pulses are rich in soluble fiber and low in fat, which can help control blood sugar and cholesterol. Thus, health organizations recommend them to manage non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart conditions, and obesity.
Furthermore, pulse crops have a lower carbon footprint than most foods as they require fewer synthetic fertilizers to grow. They also have a low water footprint as they can adapt to semi-arid conditions and tolerate drought stress. Therefore, pulses are environment-friendly foods and can contribute to sustainable development.
World Pulses Day is an important opportunity to recognize the value and importance of pulses and their contribution to sustainable development.
Official Websites:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-pulses-day
https://www.fao.org/world-pulses-day/en/
