Building on the success of the International Year of Pulses (IYP) in 2016, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 10 February as World Pulses Day (WPD).

This year, FAO is organizing a virtual event on Friday, 12 February 2021, from 15:00 to 17:00 CET, to highlight pulses’ potential to contribute to better food systems, not only through the nutritious benefits they provide, but also because of their capacity to improve the sustainability of agricultural production systems. Thus, contributing to the objectives of the upcoming UN Food Systems.

Pulses are the edible seeds of leguminous plants cultivated for both food and feed. Beans, chickpeas and peas are the most well-known and commonly consumed types of pulses but there are hundreds of varieties from around the world, all with great health benefits.

World Pulses Day is an opportunity to raise public awareness of this diverse food and the critical role pulses play in addressing challenges of poverty, food security, soil health and climate change. These species provide many opportunities for improving sustainability of agricultural production systems.

The event will be webcast live here: http://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/5464/icode/