Why we celebrate World Pulses Day

By Yurdi Yasmi, Director, Plant Production and Protection Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) .

Today 733 million people are food insecure. That means one in eleven people are facing hunger across the world. In Africa that number is one in five. If the current trends continue 582 million people will still be chronically undernourished by 2030. That is the year by which we aspire to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 (zero hunger).  

Our work at FAO is strategically designed to contribute to the SDGs through better production, better nutrition, better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind. In these endeavours, pulses offer hope. The sustainable production and consumption of these dried edible seeds of leguminous plants – which include lentils, beans, chickpeas and cowpeas – can help transform our agrifood systems.  

In 2022, close to 96 million tonnes of pulses were produced worldwide, with average global per capita consumption at 7 kg per year. Due to their environmental and health benefits, pulse are expected to continue gaining importance in both farms and diets. By 2032, global pulse production is forecasted to increase to 125 million tonnes, with average global per capita consumption reaching 8.6 kg per year.   

Pulses are an important and generally affordable source of protein. In regions where meat and dairy are not easily accessible, pulses provide communities with much–needed protein. Pulses are low in fat and rich in soluble fibre, vitamins and minerals, which can lower cholesterol and help control blood sugar. They can also help prevent and manage diseases like diabetes and heart conditions.   

Due to the importance of pulses for our diet, nutrition, environment and economy, in 2018, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 10 February as the World Pulses Day (WPD), endorsing a proposal by Burkina Faso. Since then, World Pulses Day is celebrated globally, providing an opportunity to raise awareness, promote collaboration, leverage innovation and increase investments to make pulses accessible to all.   

What makes pulses remarkable is their unique ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into natural fertilizer and unlock phosphorous bound in soil,  which reduces the need for synthetic fertilizes. As farmers face rising input costs and the world seeks to mitigate environmental concerns, these natural traits make pulses ideal for sustainable farming.  

When integrated into farming systems, pulses promote soil carbon sequestration and help break pest and insect cycles naturally. As cover crops or in intercropping systems, they protect against soil erosion while increasing overall productivity. By diversifying cropping systems with pulses, farmers can more efficiently use natural resources, such as light, water and nutrients, while increasing yields.  

FAO has been working to help Members globally through multifaceted approaches. We support farmer access to high–quality seeds, modern cultivation techniques, and sustainable farming practices, among others. 

In Peru, we see a compelling example of the transformative potential of pulses through tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet), a pulse rich in protein and native to the Andean valleys. Growing at elevations between 2 000 and 3 800 metres above sea level, this crop contains approximately 40 percent protein, making it a powerful ally in combating malnutrition. FAO is partnering with Peru's Ministry of Agricultural Development and Irrigation to analyse the tarwi value chain and develop strategies to increase consumption of tarwi, bringing this nutritious pulse to more Peruvian families.  

In Malawi, pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan [L.] Huth) provide a valuable source of protein for local communities. At the same time, its stems can serve as material for sustainable fuel, addressing both food security and energy needs. FAO supports farmers to adopt sustainable practices that restore degraded lands while improving both livelihoods and productivity. In one of our GEF projects we are aiming to reach 150 000 Malawians – half of whom are women. Beyond Malawi, the programme aims to benefit one million people globally and transform 12 million hectares of drylands. This model is just one example of how pulses help us achieve food security and environmental sustainability. 

Chocho, a traditional street food made from nutritious tarwi beans, is very popular in Peru. © FAO/ Teodardo Calles (left); Farmers display a variety of pulse-based food items. © FAO/Raissa Maldonado De Almeida (right).

Each of us can contribute to a sustainable food future by incorporating more pulses into our diets and supporting local pulse producers. Farmers can explore intercropping pulses with other crops to enhance soil health and productivity, while policymakers can strengthen support for pulse production and processing. 

Our "Guide to World Pulses Day 2025" offers many ways to get involved, raise awareness, and promote long-lasting change – from trying new pulse-based recipes to educating children about healthy diets in schools or bringing people together to celebrate these versatile crops. 

As FAO marks its 80th anniversary, we recognize that transforming our agrifood systems requires traditional wisdom and modern innovation – pulses offer both.  

On 10 February and throughout the year, let's harness the power of pulses to build more resilient agrifood systems and ensure no one goes hungry.   

Happy World Pulses Day!