admin In its fourth consecutive year, World Pulses Day, officially designated by the United Nations, is globally celebrated every February 10. This annual observance acknowledges the pivotal role pulses play in achieving the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The chosen theme for 2024, ‘Pulses: Nourishing Soils and People,’ aims to uncover the intricate relationship between pulses, soil health, and sustainable agriculture.
Pulses: Nourishing Soils and People – Decoding the Theme’s Significance
This theme accentuates the vital role of pulses in fostering livelihoods and promoting equity within sustainable agrifood systems. Pulses, encompassing varieties like beans and lentils, exhibit a significantly lower water footprint compared to other crops and demonstrate resilience to droughts and environmental adversities, making them an indispensable tool for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Furthermore, pulses contribute to elevating the quality of life for farmers in water-scarce regions and enhance overall productivity through diverse farming systems, including agroforestry and intercropping.
From an economic perspective, the global pulses industry emerges as a profitable force, ensuring the stability of both regional and global supply chains. This not only secures consumers’ access to nutritious foods but also advocates for the sustainable utilisation of natural resources.
Soils and Pulses: A Symbiotic Relationship for Sustainable Development
Harking back to the International Year of Soils in 2015 and the International Day of Pulses in 2016, the United Nations General Assembly established a coherent connection between soil health and the nutritional benefits of pulses. This interconnectedness aims to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting the symbiotic relationship between soil and pulses.
Pulses, positioned at the core of sustainable development, offer solutions to global challenges such as food security, hunger, environmental degradation, and climate change. By supporting both soil health and human well-being, pulses epitomise the principles of sustainability, showcasing how agriculture can align with ecological health and human prosperity.
World Pulses Day serves as a robust platform to disseminate awareness regarding the health and nutritional benefits of pulses, emphasising their integral role in global diets. Additionally, it advocates for the significance of pulses in supporting soil health and sustainable agriculture, providing economic opportunities for farmers. The day underscores the commitment to advancing research and innovation in pulse varieties and cultivation methods, ultimately enhancing yields and nutritional benefits for a more sustainable and resilient future.
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