World Pulses Day 2025: February 10, “Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems”

February 10, 2025 is World Pulses Day 2025. The theme for World Pulses Day 2025 is, “Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems.”

Pulses bring diversity to our agrifood systems in multiple ways: on the farm, in our diets and through value-added products. They boost biodiversity on farms by enriching cropping systems with more species. With more than 100 types of pulses available, farmers have many options for crop rotations and/or intercropping. Consumers can enjoy pulses as part of healthy diets. They are an affordable, protein-rich food source (19–25 percent protein), packed with essential minerals, high in fiber, and low in fat. These edible seeds are highly versatile and can be processed into different products, such as flour for making bread and pasta, or even protein drinks. That means they provide a range of income opportunities.

Be sure to see this excellent resource from the UN FAO titled: A Guide to World Pulses Day 2025:

https://openknowledge.fao.org/items/3144a97e-4f86-4d61-acf8-e3c7d8e95689

Synopsis (short abstract)

World Pulses Day presents a unique opportunity to raise public awareness about pulses and the fundamental role they play in the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. Pulses are essential to increase diversity of agrifood systems and consequently improve their resilience. This “get started” guide highlights the theme for the Day in 2025: “Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems”, as well as key actions that everyone can take to celebrate the World Pulses Day. Building on the success of the International Year of Pulses in 2016, which was implemented by FAO, the United Nations General Assembly designated 10 February as World Pulses Day.

If you are looking for recipes to enjoy pulses during your meals, see this great resource from Chefs and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) where well-known Chefs share some of their favorite pulses recipes:

Pulses: nutritious seeds for a sustainable future (UN FAO, 2016)

https://openknowledge.fao.org/items/538f91c6-c134-4c4b-9770-c5adbaa2bbd5