Pulses: Super Seeds for Boosting Food Security, Nutrition, and Sustainability!!

We are approaching 10th February 2024, the World Pulses Day which shines a spotlight on an often-overlooked superfood. Pulses, the edible seeds of leguminous plants, are more than just a staple in our diets; they are a cornerstone in the journey towards sustainable food systems.

As we celebrate this day, it is crucial to recognize the multi-dimensional benefits pulses offer - from bolstering food security to contributing significantly to nutritional needs and environmental sustainability.

Let us delve into the world of pulses, exploring their vast varieties, nutritional value, and their role in enhancing soil health, reducing carbon footprint, and contributing to global efforts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Pulses are not just food; they represent a sustainable choice for a healthier planet and people.

Pulses, the Nutritional Powerhouses and Eco-Friendly Superfoods

Pulses are the edible seeds of plants in the legume family, celebrated for their nutritional prowess and ecological benefits. Commonly known beans (Phaseolus and Vigna), chickpeas, and peas are just the tip of the iceberg in the diverse world of pulses. These seeds come in a kaleidoscope of colors - red, green, white, black, brown, and more, each variety boasting its own unique benefits.

Nutritionally, pulses are powerhouses. They are densely packed with vitamins and minerals vital for good health. Rich in proteins, pulses provide essential amino acids that are crucial for muscle building and repair. Their low fat and no cholesterol content make them a heart-friendly choice, while their high fiber content aids in digestion and satiety, making them an excellent food choice for weight management.

Beyond their health benefits, pulses are a sustainable choice. They have a long shelf-life, reducing the risk of food waste. Their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil enhances soil fertility and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.

This unique attribute makes pulses a key player in sustainable agriculture, contributing to a greener planet and a more secure food future.

World Pulses Day 2024: A Global Initiative

World Pulses Day, observed on February 10th, is a testament to the global recognition of the significance of pulses. Stemming from the success of the International Year of Pulses (IYP) in 2016, this day was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to highlight the role of pulses in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This annual celebration is more than just an acknowledgment; it's a call to action. It aims to raise public awareness about the myriad benefits of pulses, not just as a food source but as a key element in transforming agri-food systems towards greater efficiency, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability.

It aligns perfectly with the vision of better production, nutrition, environment, and life, ensuring no one is left behind.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ( 联合国粮农组织 ) plays a pivotal role in facilitating this observance. Collaborating with governments, private sectors, member organizations, and the public, the FAO spearheads initiatives to support the cultivation and consumption of pulses. These efforts are critical in promoting sustainable food systems and healthy diets globally. World Pulses Day thus serves as a platform to acknowledge the humble pulse's vast potential in shaping a more sustainable future, highlighting its importance in our diets, fields, and the global fight against hunger and malnutrition.

Soil well-being serves as the bedrock of food security and stands as a vital element within sustainable agri-food systems. This year's World Pulses Day celebration, with the theme "Pulses: Nourishing Soils and Communities," offers a chance to spotlight the role of pulses in boosting soil microbial activity and the positive repercussions for people. The root systems of pulses foster the proliferation of organisms that play a pivotal role in improving soil composition and nutrient accessibility. Consequently, this heightened soil biodiversity fortifies ecosystems, rendering them more robust and resilient in the face of disruptions and environmental pressures.

Pulses: Nourishing Soils and People

Pulses play a dual role in agriculture and nutrition, nourishing both soils and people. Their unique characteristics position them as a vital component in sustainable farming practices and food security.

Soil Health and Biodiversity: Pulses enrich the soil in which they grow. By fixing atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, they naturally replenish essential nutrients, reducing the dependence on chemical fertilizers. This not only improves soil biodiversity and fertility but also lowers the environmental impact of farming. The inclusion of pulses in crop rotations further enhances soil quality, promoting a healthy agro-ecosystem.

Climate Change Resilience: The role of pulses in enhancing agrobiodiversity cannot be overstated. Their ability to thrive in diverse climatic conditions makes them a key crop in adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change. Pulses’ deep root systems make them resilient to drought, a growing concern in many regions facing erratic weather patterns.

Economic and Social Benefits: Cultivating pulses provides significant socio-economic advantages. They offer employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, particularly benefiting rural women and youth, who are often the primary cultivators and sellers of these crops. As a source of income and nutrition, pulses contribute to reducing poverty and improving health in these communities.

Affordable Nutrition: In many rural areas, especially in developing countries, pulses serve as an affordable source of protein and essential minerals. This affordability is crucial in regions where meat and dairy are economically inaccessible for large segments of the population. By providing a low-cost, nutrient-rich alternative, pulses play a significant role in combating malnutrition and food insecurity.

Long Shelf-Life: Pulses' long shelf-life is a critical factor in increasing the diversity of diets, particularly in regions prone to food scarcity. They provide a reliable food source during times of crop failure or market instability. Additionally, the variety of pulses available enables a diverse range of culinary applications, enriching diets culturally and nutritionally.

By integrating pulses into agricultural practices and diets, we can achieve a holistic approach to food security. Their role in sustainable agriculture, coupled with their nutrient-rich profile, makes pulses a key ingredient in feeding the world’s growing population while nurturing the planet.

Pulses bridge the Gap between Sustainable Agriculture, Nutrition, and Climate Resilience for a Flourishing World.

Pulses, the Super Food

The nutritional profile of pulses positions them as a vital component of a healthy diet. Their array of health benefits is extensive, addressing everything from chronic diseases to daily nutritional needs.

1. Cardiovascular Health: Pulses are naturally low in fat and contain no cholesterol, contributing significantly to heart health. Regular consumption of pulses can help in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Their high fiber content also plays a role in managing cholesterol levels, further promoting heart health.
2. Managing Blood Pressure: With low sodium levels, pulses are an excellent food choice for maintaining healthy blood pressure. High sodium diets are a known risk factor for hypertension, a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. Pulses offer a flavorful alternative without the health risks associated with high salt intake.
3. Plant-Based Protein Source: Pulses are a fantastic source of plant-based protein. For instance, 100 grams of dry lentils pack an impressive 25 grams of protein. Even after cooking, which increases their water content and reduces protein concentration to about 8 percent, pulses remain a highly nutritious option. Combining pulses with cereals like rice enhances the protein quality, making it a well-rounded dietary choice.
4. Iron-Rich Food: Iron deficiency, a leading cause of anemia, can be combated with regular consumption of pulses. They are a good source of iron, and when combined with Vitamin C-rich foods, the body's ability to absorb iron improves. This makes dishes like lentil curry with lemon juice not only delicious but also nutritionally beneficial.
5. Potassium, Fiber, and Folate: Pulses are high in potassium, which supports heart health and plays a key role in digestive and muscular functions. They are also among the top high-fiber foods, promoting digestive health and helping to reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, pulses are an excellent source of folate, a B-vitamin crucial for nervous system function and particularly important during pregnancy to prevent fetal defects.
6. Dietary Diversity: Pulses are affordable, have a long shelf life, and can significantly increase dietary diversity, especially in developing countries. They are low-glycemic index foods, stabilizing blood sugar and insulin levels, making them suitable for people with diabetes and ideal for weight management. Furthermore, being naturally gluten-free, pulses are a perfect option for those with celiac disease.

Pulses are a nutritional powerhouse, promoting heart health, managing blood pressure, supporting various aspects of health, from digestion to nervous system function. Additionally, they enhance dietary diversity, making them valuable for food security and diabetes management.

The affordability of pulses and their long shelf life make them a sustainable choice for healthy eating and global nutrition.

Pulses, the Global Economic Impact

The humble pulse plays a pivotal role in the global agricultural landscape. Beyond their nutritional value, pulses are a key commodity in international markets, influencing both global food security and economic stability. These small seeds not only feed populations but also create livelihoods, shape economies, and navigate complex trade networks. Understanding the dynamics of the pulses market offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within this crucial agricultural sector.

Pulses, with their diverse varieties, are cultivated across various regions of the world, each contributing significantly to the global agricultural tapestry. India stands as the largest producer of pulses, contributing a substantial portion to the global supply. Canada, Myanmar, Brazil, China, Australia, the United States, Russia, Pakistan, Mozambique, and Ethiopia also rank among the top producers. These countries' production is driven by a combination of factors like favorable climatic conditions, agricultural practices, and domestic consumption needs. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global pulse production has been witnessing a steady increase. This uptick is attributed to rising awareness of pulses' nutritional benefits and their importance in sustainable farming practices.

In 2023, global pulses production reached an impressive 102 million tons. Over the past 50 years, this growth has been remarkable, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.8%, resulting in production that is 2.5 times greater than the 1973 figure of 42 million tons. In the last decade alone, there has been a substantial increase of 35% (CAGR 3.2%) from 75.5 million tons in 2013. Looking forward, the growth is expected to be relatively modest, with a projected CAGR of just 1.7% between 2024 and 2034. By 2034, it is estimated that global pulses production will reach approximately 123 million tons.

India is a dominant player in the global pulses market, accounting for 25% of the world's pulse production while consuming 27% of the total global output. Additionally, India contributes significantly to the global pulses trade, representing 15% of all international transactions in this commodity. In terms of cultivation, India holds the top position with the largest area dedicated to pulses production. In the 2022-23 period, approximately 30 million hectares of land were allocated for pulses cultivation, resulting in a production of around 27 million tons. However, this falls slightly short of the country's domestic demand, which stood at approximately 30 million tons during the same period. Consequently, India relies on imports to bridge this gap, with pulses imports growing substantially from 0.17 million tons in 1980-81 to 3 million tons in 2022-23, making it the largest importer of pulses globally.

Climate change poses a significant challenge to pulse production, with erratic weather patterns impacting yield. However, advances in agricultural technology and sustainable farming methods offer hope. Governments and international bodies have been implementing policies to support pulse farmers, aiming to stabilize production levels despite environmental challenges.

The global trade of pulses totaling US$ 90 billion is a testament to the crop's importance in the international food landscape.

Pulses are crucial for food security, especially in countries with limited access to animal protein. The trade of pulses ensures a consistent supply, stabilizing prices and availability in countries reliant on imports. This is particularly vital for low-income populations in developing nations, where pulses are a key dietary staple.

The pulses trade is a multifaceted sector with far-reaching economic implications. Its role in supporting economies, especially in rural areas, and contributing to sustainable development makes it a key player in the global agricultural economy.

About Author

Deepak Pareek is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and ecosystem builder in the agriculture technology domain He has 25 years of diverse experience working across 34 countries on various projects. He is a well-decorated technocrat honored as Top 10 Agropreneur 2019 by Future Agro Challenge, Greece, and Technology Pioneer 2018 by World Economic Forum, Switzerland, and also advised various private, public, and multilateral organizations in the agriculture and technology domain.