World Pulses Day

World Pulses Day History

World Pulses Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of pulses as a global food source. Pulses, such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas, are a significant part of sustainable food production since they foster farmland productivity and increase biodiversity. It also strives to boost public understanding of the nutritional benefits of pulses for human health and encourages their consumption worldwide. Considering their high protein content and their role in managing obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, pulses are deemed 'superfoods'.

World Pulses Day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018 following the successful International Year of Pulses in 2016. For South Africans, the recognition of this day holds special importance since pulses play a significant role in the country's agricultural sector both as a food crop and for soil fertility. Furthermore, in the context of South Africa's high rate of nutrition-related diseases, consumption of pulses due to their high protein content and minimal fat can provide healthier dietary options.

In South Africa, World Pulses Day is observed through various activities purposed to encourage the consumption of pulses. These include the creation of local recipes integrating pulses, agricultural fairs, and workshops on sustainable farming techniques. The observance seeks to address food and nutritional security challenges and promote pulses as a viable source of livelihood for farmers. World Pulses Day is celebrated annually on February 10, driving participation from the public, private sectors, and relevant stakeholders, to create an enabling environment for those involved in pulse production.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 World Pulses Day in South Africa

• World Pulses Day, observed annually on 10 February, highlights the global shift toward sustainable food systems under themes such as Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems.
• One of the most famous proponents of pulse-based nutrition was Nelson Mandela, whose favorite traditional dish was Samp and Beans, often referred to in Xhosa as umngqusho.
• South Africa’s official Food-Based Dietary Guidelines specifically urge citizens to "eat dry beans, split peas, lentils and soya regularly" to combat both under-nutrition and lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes.
• In the 2025 culinary release Timeless South African by Ilse van der Merwe, pulses are celebrated as heritage staples through iconic recipes like the Durban bunny chow filled with spicy sugar bean curry.
• Agricultural experts in South Africa promote pulses as "superhero crops" because their nitrogen-fixing properties naturally fertilize the soil, which is a vital benefit for local farmers facing high synthetic fertilizer costs.
• Indigenous varieties such as the Bambara groundnut and cowpeas are gaining renewed attention for their ability to thrive in the arid and semi-arid regions of Limpopo and the North West.
• The upcoming Graintech Africa 2026 exhibition in Johannesburg will showcase the latest advancements in pulse processing and storage technology to support the nation's growing export market.
• Beyond their health benefits, pulses are essential for South African food security because they have a long shelf-life and require significantly less water to produce than animal-based proteins.
• The distinction between "legumes" and "pulses" is a key technical focus for the local agricultural industry, as the latter refers specifically to the dry, edible seeds like chickpeas and lentils rather than crops harvested green.
• Modern South African food culture continues to reinvent these ancient seeds through the widespread use of chakalaka, a spicy vegetable relish where baked beans often serve as a primary protein-boosting ingredient.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for World Pulses Day

Top things to do in South Africa 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.
• Johannesburg Culinary and Pastry School: World Pultries Day brings interesting cooking competitions and classes in these culinary schools, educating people on how to make delicious dishes using pulses.
• Prepare a traditional dish such as Bunny Chow: A popular fast food dish that originated among Indian South Africans, Bunny Chow commonly uses pulses such as chickpeas or lentils. It consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry.