World Pulses Day

World Pulses Day History

World Pulses Day seeks to commemorate the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses. Pulses, including beans, peas, lentils and chickpeas, are a versatile food staple that contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security globally. They are high in protein, dietary fiber and contain essential nutrients, making them significant for human health. Moreover, they also play a role in improving soil fertility in agricultural fields through nitrogen fixation, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

World Pulses Day has its roots in the International Year of Pulses in 2016, established by the UN to increase public awareness of the benefits of pulses. In America, the importance of pulses should not be undermined. Pulses are an integral part of American agriculture, with the country being one of the largest producers of pulses worldwide. Furthermore, the inclusion of pulses in the American diet can contribute to mitigating prevalent health issues such as obesity and heart disease, due to their high-protein and low-fat content.

In the United States, World Pulses Day is typically observed through various educational and promotional events highlighting the importance of pulses. From farm tours to cooking demonstrations, the benefits of pulses are displayed to the public to encourage their consumption and cultivation. World Pulses Day is observed in America on February 10th each year, encouraging recognition of the important role pulses play in sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and food security.

Top 10 Facts for World Pulses Day in 2026

• Pulses are the dry, edible seeds of leguminous plants, such as lentils, chickpeas, and dry beans, and they exclude crops harvested green like peas or those used primarily for oil extraction like soybeans.
• The term for these nutrient-dense seeds originates from the Latin word puls, which refers to a thick gruel or porridge made from boiled grain or legumes.
• Evidence suggests that humans began cultivating pulses over 11,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, a region in the Middle East that was home to some of the world's earliest civilizations.
• One of the most significant environmental benefits of pulses is their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, which naturally improves fertility and drastically reduces the global need for synthetic fertilizers.
• India is currently the world’s leading producer of pulses, accounting for approximately 25 percent of global production and over 23 million metric tons annually.
• These crops are remarkably water-efficient, requiring only about 43 gallons of water to produce one pound of pulses compared to nearly 368 gallons for the same amount of peanuts.
• The upcoming observance of World Pulses Day builds upon the success of the United Nations designating 2016 as the International Year of Pulses to promote food security and sustainable agriculture.
• A recent central focus for the holiday has been the theme Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems, highlighting how these crops contribute to resilient farming and biodiverse landscapes.
• Pulses are considered a superfood because they are naturally gluten-free, high in protein and fiber, and have a low glycemic index, which helps in managing blood sugar and reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases.
• Interesting cultural and historical insights into these legumes can be found in creative works such as the book The Power of Pulses: Saving the World with Peas, Beans, Chickpeas, Favas and Lentils and the documentary Lentils: The Humble Pearls of the Earth.

In the News and Trending in the US for World Pulses Day

Top things to do in the US 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.
• Discover tasty pulse recipes.

World Pulses Day references