World Pulses Day 2023: Theme, history, significance - 3 interesting facts

World Pulses Day 2023: World Pulses Day is observed on February 10 every year. The day is celebrated with an aim to spread awareness about the nutritional as well as environmental benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production.

World Pulses Day 2023: Theme

World Pulses Day Theme: Pulses for a sustainable future

As per the United Nations’ official website, this year’s World Pulses Day celebration will have its key focus on the contribution of pulses to improving soil productivity and increasing the resilience of farming systems - pulses provide a better life for farmers in water-scarce environments, as they have a low water footprint and can better tolerate drought and climate-related disasters.

World Pulses Day 2023: History

The United Nations General Assembly on December 20, 2013, adopted a resolution (A/RES/68/231) proclaiming 2016 as the International Year of Pulses (IYP).

As per the United Nations’ official website, this celebration was led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Since the International Year of Pulses was a success, the crops’ potential was recognized to further achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with particular, relevance given to

Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 12, 13 and 15. Moreover, Burkina Faso proposed the observance of World Pulses Day. The United Nations General Assembly adopted February 10 as World Pulses Day in 2019.

World Pulses Day 2023: Facts about Pulses

• Intercropping with pulses increases farm biodiversity. It also creates a more diverse landscape for animals and insects.
• Pulses' nitrogen-fixing properties can improve soil fertility, which improves and extends the productivity of farmland.
• Pulses are highly water efficient.

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