Theme of World Pulses Day 2022:
“Nutritious Seeds for a Sustainable Future”
Pulses are annual crops that yield between one and twelve grains or seeds. The term “pulses” is limited to crops harvested solely as dry grains, which differentiates them from other vegetable crops that are harvested while still green. Pulses are known as grain legumes. They are sustainable foods that can be stored for long and can contribute to increasing food security. Pulses grow in pods and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recognizes 11 types of pulses: dry beans, dry broad beans, dry peas, chickpeas, cow peas, pigeon peas, lentils, Bambara beans, vetches and lupins. Others that are common for us here in Cameroon are, guinea corn, soya beans, “Koki” beans and many more.
They are a cheap, low fat source of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals which are very necessary for health. It is an edible seed that grows in a pod. In 2019, approximately 83.4million tons of pulses were produced worldwide. To that effect the world observes international pulses day on February 10th. Pulses are the most widely cultivated legume in Africa. Hence is exported in great quantities to different countries, meanwhile it is one of the world’s most stable foods. They help to improve food security because as dried seeds, they can be stored for a long period of time without a decrease in nutrition.
Despite the high demand of pulses worldwide, its productive potential still remains very low. It is sad to know that in recent years farmers are constantly faced with a lot of risk and challenges but despite all these challenges farmers still continue cultivating this crop because they are an important part of a sustainable cropping system. It is to this reason that FOA celebrates February 10th as World Pulses Day, which is an opportunity to raise awareness on the nutritional benefits of pulses and their contribution to sustainable food systems and a world without hunger.
