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.
Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems
Did you know?
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Pulses are nutrient-dense, providing a good source of vitamins and minerals that are vital for good health
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Pulses have a long shelf-life and help to increase the diversity of diets, while reducing food loss and waste
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Pulses in multiple cropping systems enhance agrobiodiversity, climate change resilience and ecosystem services
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Pulses fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, contributing to improving soil biodiversity and fertility
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Including pulses in crop rotations can improve chemical fertilizer use efficiency
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Pulses provide employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for rural women and youth
Events
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!
Pulses for a sustainable future
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.
Get Involved!
There are so many ways to get involved in the World Pulses Day celebrations, the Get Involved Guide and the communication materials are here to help you figure out where to get started!
Get Involved Guide
Communications materials
Trello Board
Publications
Thematic Highlight
Celebrating the power of pulses
Find out more about the nutritional benefits of pulses, their contribution to sustainable food systems and a world without hunger
News
News
FAO announces the theme for World Pulses Day 2025
17/01/2025
The theme for this year's World Pulses Day (10 February 2025) is: “Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems”. Learn more about pulses and how...
Contacts:
Previous editions
- 2024 - Shining the spotlight on the vital role of pulses in promoting soil health and nourishing people
- 2023 - World Pulses Day 2023 highlights how pulses are at the core of sustainability
- 2022 - World Pulses Day leverages the power of youth to transform agrifood systems
- 2021 - Pulses are key to food security, healthy diets and sustainable agri-food systems, says FAO
- 2020 - FAO highlights role of pulses in fighting hunger and achieving healthy diets for all