World Pulses Day

World Pulses Day History

World Pulses Day is dedicated to recognizing the vital role pulses play in achieving comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable development. Pulses, such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas, are nutritional powerhouses that contribute to food security, health, and biodiversity. They are also instrumental in combating malnutrition and stimulating soil rejuvenation. Celebrated globally, this day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the environmental and nutritional benefits of consuming and cultivating pulses.

The United Nations General Assembly established World Pulposes Day in 2019, building on the successes of the International Year of Pulses in 2016. For New Zealanders, pulses are an essential part of the agricultural sector, both economically and environmentally. New Zealand is recognized globally for its high-quality pulse crops due to its favourable climate and soil conditions. Besides being grown on local farms, pulses are also imported to meet the increasing demand in the country. World Pulses Day highlights the vital role pulses play in New Zealand's agricultural industry and encourages awareness of their nutritional benefits.

New Zealand observes World Pulses Day through a series of organised events and initiatives aimed at promoting pulses. Activities range from educational programs in schools and community centres, to farmer workshops highlighting the benefits of pulse cultivation. The day serves as a reminder for people to incorporate pulses in their diet not only for their nutritional benefits but also for the several advantages they yield for sustainability and agricultural diversity. World Pulses Day in New Zealand takes place on February 10.

Facts about World Pulses Day

• The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN recognizes 11 different types of pulses: dry beans, dry broad beans, dry peas, chickpeas, cow peas, pigeon peas, lentils, Bambara beans, vetches, lupins, and pulses nes (not elsewhere specified).
• According to pulses.org, the first evidence of pulses dates back 11,000 years ago to the Fertile Crescent. This is a region in the Middle East that was home to early human civilizations.
• Pulses with the most protein per 1/2 cup are:
  1) Great Norther Beans - 9.7 grams
  2) Lentils - 9 grams
  3) Split Peas - 8.2 grams
  4) Black Beans - 7.6 grams
• The New Zealand pulse industry is relatively small compared to countries like Canada, Australia, and the United States, but it has significant potential for growth, especially in regard to sustainable and climate-smart agriculture.
• The export market predominantly features dry peas, lentils, and dry beans. In 2020, New Zealand exported nearly 30,000 metric tonnes of these pulse crops, with a value of around NZD 21 million.

In the News and Trending in NZ for World Pulses Day

Top things to do in NZ for World Pulses Day

• Learn more about pulses and their benefits with an educational video by the FAO.
• Learn about the Global Pulse Confederation, a not for profit hoping to create an inclusive global pulse organization.
• Go to a Farmers Markets: Attend a local farmers market, where you can purchase and learn about different regional variety of pulses.
• Participate in Cooking Competitions: Showcasing pulses (beans, lentils, peas) in culinary competitions. Chefs could compete to create the most delicious dish using these ingredients.