World Pulses Day

World Pulses Day is a global initiative acknowledged by the United Nations to highlight the crucial role of pulses in sustainable agriculture and healthy diets. Pulses, which include legumes like lentils, beans, peas and chickpeas, are nutrient-rich foods that have significant health and environmental benefits. The Observance seeks to promote the production and consumption of pulses, to recognise their benefits, and to encourage more sustainable and efficient use of these crops in agriculture.

The recognition of World Pulses Day was established by the UN General Assembly on December 20, 2018, following the success of the International Year of Pulses in 2016. For Australia, pulses play an important role in both regional farming and national diets. For farmers, pulses promote biodiversity, improve soil health and contribute to climate change mitigation through their nitrogen-fixing properties. From the dietary perspective, pulses are a prime source of plant-based proteins, fibre, and various essential minerals making them a key component of healthy eating patterns in Australia.

While there is no specific date set for Australia, World Pulses Day is observed globally on 10th of February. In Australia, observance of the day typically includes various activities aimed at promoting knowledge and awareness about pulses. These may include farmers' markets featuring pulses, educational workshops, cooking demonstrations, and recipe competitions. In this way, World Pulses Day serves as not just a celebration of these valuable crops but also a movement towards more sustainable and healthy food choices for Australians.