World Pulses Day

World Pulses Day History

World Pulses Day highlighst the crucial role of pulses in sustainable agriculture and healthy diets. Pulses, which include legumes like lentils, beans, peas and chickpeas, are nutrient-rich foods that have significant health and environmental benefits. The Observance also seeks to promote the production and consumption of pulses, to recognise their benefits, and to encourage more sustainable and efficient use of these crops in agriculture.

The recognition of World Pulses Day was established by the UN General Assembly on December 20, 2018, following the success of the International Year of Pulses in 2016. For Australia, pulses play an important role in both regional farming and national diets. For farmers, pulses promote biodiversity, improve soil health and contribute to climate change mitigation through their nitrogen-fixing properties. From the dietary perspective, pulses are a prime source of plant-based proteins, fibre, and various essential minerals making them a key component of healthy eating patterns in Australia.

In Australia, observance of the day typically includes various activities aimed at promoting knowledge and awareness about pulses. These may include farmers' markets featuring pulses, educational workshops, cooking demonstrations, and recipe competitions. In this way, World Pulses Day serves as not just a celebration of these valuable crops but also a movement towards more sustainable and healthy food choices for Australians. World Pulses Day is observed globally on 10th of February.

Facts about World Pulses Day

• The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN recognizes 11 different types of pulses: dry beans, dry broad beans, dry peas, chickpeas, cow peas, pigeon peas, lentils, Bambara beans, vetches, lupins, and pulses nes (not elsewhere specified).
• According to pulses.org, the first evidence of pulses dates back 11,000 years ago to the Fertile Crescent. This is a region in the Middle East that was home to early human civilizations.
• Pulses with the most protein per 1/2 cup are:
  1) Great Norther Beans - 9.7 grams
  2) Lentils - 9 grams
  3) Split Peas - 8.2 grams
  4) Black Beans - 7.6 grams
• Australian farmers primarily produce chickpeas, lentils, faba beans, field peas, lupins, and mung beans. Chickpeas and lentils are the most significant crops in terms of both production and export.
• Australia's pulse production reached a record high in 2016, with a total production of around 3.2 million tonnes. The production value of Australian pulses reached approximately AUD 2.5 billion in 2019.

In the News and Trending in Australia for World Pulses Day

Top things to do in Australia for World Pulses Day

• Learn more about pulses and their benefits with an educational video by the FAO.
• Learn about the Global Pulse Confederation, a not for profit hoping to create an inclusive global pulse organization.
• Visit a local farmers market: Australia has several where you can buy fresh pulses directly from the farmers. Some examples include the Melbourne Farmers Markets, Sydney's Carriageworks Farmers Market or Adelaide Central Market.
• Attend the Annual Pulses Convention: This event aims to unite farmers, dealers, exporters, and commodity analysts to discuss the progress, opportunities, and challenges involved in pulse farming.