Introduction
Pulses—also known as grain legumes—are a group of edible seeds harvested from plants belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae). They include a variety of crops such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, peas, pigeon peas, mung beans, urad beans, and cowpeas. For thousands of years, pulses have played a crucial role in global agriculture, food systems, and diets. They are a staple food in many parts of the world, particularly in South Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
In recognition of their importance for nutrition, agriculture, food security, and sustainable development, the United Nations (UN) declared 2016 as the International Year of Pulses (IYP). This declaration aimed to highlight the multi-dimensional benefits of pulses, including their nutritional richness, their role in sustainable farming practices, and their contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This essay explores the advantages of pulse cultivation, ranging from health and nutrition to environmental sustainability and economic empowerment, and explains why the United Nations gave them such global significance in 2016.
1. Nutritional Advantages of Pulses
One of the foremost reasons for promoting pulse cultivation lies in their exceptional nutritional profile, which makes them a cornerstone of healthy diets worldwide.
1.1 Rich Source of Plant Protein
- Pulses contain 20–25% protein by weight, nearly twice the amount found in cereals like rice or wheat.
- They are often referred to as the “poor man’s meat,” providing affordable protein to populations that cannot afford animal-based protein.
- Protein from pulses helps in muscle growth, repair, and overall body functioning.
1.2 High in Essential Micronutrients
- Pulses are packed with iron, zinc, magnesium, folate, and potassium.
- They are particularly rich in folate, which is crucial for maternal and child health.
- Regular consumption helps combat micronutrient deficiencies (hidden hunger) in developing countries.
1.3 Rich in Dietary Fiber
- Pulses are an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber.
- They regulate digestion, reduce constipation, and improve gut health.
- High fiber diets are linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes.
1.4 Low Glycemic Index (GI)
- Pulses release energy slowly into the bloodstream, preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar.
- They are particularly beneficial for diabetic patients.
1.5 Low in Fat and Cholesterol-Free
- Most pulses contain less than 2% fat.
- Their consumption reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) and supports heart health.
Thus, pulses are not only a nutritional powerhouse but also a key to addressing malnutrition and lifestyle diseases.
2. Agricultural Advantages of Pulses
Pulses are not just food crops; they also play a significant role in maintaining the health of soils and sustainability of farming systems.
2.1 Nitrogen Fixation and Soil Fertility
- Pulses host nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobia) in their root nodules.
- They convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, enriching the soil naturally.
- This reduces the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, saving costs and protecting the environment.
2.2 Crop Rotation and Intercropping Benefits
- Pulses are excellent in crop rotation systems.
- They break pest and disease cycles when alternated with cereals or oilseeds.
- Intercropping pulses with cereals increases productivity and optimizes land use.
2.3 Water-Efficient Crops
- Pulses require less water compared to rice, sugarcane, or wheat.
- They are highly suitable for cultivation in semi-arid and drought-prone regions.
- This makes them resilient to climate change and resource constraints.
2.4 Climate-Resilient Agriculture
- Pulses have a short growing season and adapt well to varied climates.
- They improve soil organic matter and enhance carbon sequestration, helping mitigate climate change.
3. Environmental Advantages of Pulses
The UN emphasized the cultivation of pulses because of their role in achieving environmental sustainability.
3.1 Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Chemical fertilizers are a major source of nitrous oxide (a potent greenhouse gas).
- By naturally fixing nitrogen, pulses reduce dependency on fertilizers and lower emissions.
3.2 Conserving Biodiversity
- Pulses support diverse cropping systems, which protect biodiversity.
- They are grown in traditional farming systems, maintaining agricultural heritage and resilience.
3.3 Reducing Water Footprint
- Pulses use 43% less water than cereals for the same amount of protein.
- In water-scarce regions, pulses are essential for sustainable food production.
3.4 Restoring Degraded Soils
- Pulse cultivation improves soil structure and fertility.
- They prevent soil erosion through canopy cover and ground-binding root systems.
4. Economic and Social Advantages of Pulses
Pulses are not only good for health and the environment but also support livelihoods and rural economies.
4.1 Source of Income for Small Farmers
- Pulses are largely grown by smallholder farmers in developing countries.
- They provide cash income through domestic and export markets.
- India, Myanmar, Canada, and Australia are major producers and exporters.
4.2 Women Empowerment
- Women are heavily involved in pulse farming, processing, and trade.
- Promoting pulses helps empower rural women economically and socially.
4.3 Food Security and Affordable Nutrition
- Pulses are affordable and accessible compared to meat and dairy products.
- They play a key role in ensuring food and nutritional security for the poor.
4.4 Global Trade Potential
- Pulses are globally traded commodities.
- Rising demand for vegetarian diets and plant-based protein increases their economic value.
5. Why 2016 was Declared as the International Year of Pulses
The United Nations General Assembly, recognizing the multiple benefits of pulses, declared 2016 as the International Year of Pulses (IYP). The decision was based on several strategic reasons:
- Promote Awareness: To educate the world about the nutritional and health benefits of pulses.
- Support Sustainable Agriculture: To highlight the role of pulses in soil fertility, water use efficiency, and climate resilience.
- Enhance Global Food Security: To encourage governments and farmers to increase pulse production for combating hunger and malnutrition.
- Encourage Value Chains and Trade: To promote investment in pulse research, processing, and marketing.
- Meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Pulses contribute to multiple SDGs, including:
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The International Year of Pulses was coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in collaboration with governments, NGOs, scientists, and farmers worldwide.
6. India and Pulses: A Special Relationship
India, as the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, had a special role during IYP 2016.
6.1 Importance in Indian Diet
- Pulses are the primary source of protein for India’s predominantly vegetarian population.
- They form an essential part of daily meals (dal, sambar, rajma, chole, etc.).
6.2 Economic Role
- India grows a wide variety of pulses such as chickpeas, pigeon peas (tur), mung beans, urad beans, and lentils.
- Despite being the top producer, India also imports pulses to meet domestic demand.
6.3 Agricultural Challenges
- Low productivity due to rain-fed cultivation.
- Susceptibility to pests and diseases.
- Government initiatives like the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) aim to boost pulse production.
6.4 Pulses in Sustainable Farming
- Pulses are integral to India’s traditional mixed cropping systems.
- They contribute to soil health, sustainability, and climate resilience in Indian agriculture.
7. Challenges in Pulse Cultivation
While pulses offer many benefits, challenges persist:
- Low Yields: Pulse yields are lower compared to cereals.
- Price Volatility: Farmers face fluctuating prices in domestic and global markets.
- Limited Research: Less research funding compared to major cereals.
- Climate Vulnerability: Pulses are sensitive to extreme weather events.
These challenges highlight the need for more investment in pulse research, processing technologies, and farmer support systems.
8. The Future of Pulses: Towards a Sustainable World
Promoting pulse cultivation is critical for a sustainable future:
8.1 Expanding Production
- Use of improved seeds, irrigation support, and mechanization to enhance productivity.
- Encouraging farmers to adopt pulse-based crop rotations.
8.2 Policy Support
- Minimum Support Price (MSP) schemes for pulses.
- Government procurement to stabilize markets.
8.3 Research and Innovation
- Breeding climate-resilient and pest-resistant varieties.
- Developing technologies for pulse storage and processing.
8.4 Global Collaboration
- International trade agreements to ensure food security.
- Promoting pulses as part of global strategies for nutrition and climate action.
Conclusion
The declaration of 2016 as the International Year of Pulses was a landmark recognition of the enormous benefits pulses provide. Their nutritional richness, role in sustainable agriculture, environmental advantages, and economic significance make them indispensable for achieving global food and nutrition security.
For countries like India, pulses are not just crops—they are cultural staples, economic lifelines, and keys to sustainable farming. By promoting their cultivation and consumption, the world can move closer to solving the twin challenges of hunger and environmental degradation.
Thus, in spite of challenges, the cultivation of pulses stands as a sustainable, affordable, and climate-smart solution for global development, justifying the United Nations’ decision to dedicate 2016 to these “superfoods for the future.”
