The UN World Pulses Day was celebrated on February 10, 2020 across the world.
- In New Delhi, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the celebration and said that initiatives of the Government in increasing pulses production in the country yielded positive results and Government is committed to provide remunerative prices to farmers for the produce.
- Government’s aim is to make India a surplus country in terms of pulses production.
- The Union Minister added that Government’s primary focus given to the sector is seen from the budgetary allocations made for the Agriculture and Rural Development sectors which is about Rs. 3 lakh crore. While the Agriculture sector budget was Rs.27 thousand crore couple of years ago, the Government has allocated over Rs. 1.5 lakh crore in FY 2020-21, he added.
Background
- Following the success of the International Year of Pulses (IYP) 2016, World Pulses Day is a new opportunity to heighten public awareness of the nutritional benefits of eating pulses.
- Pulses are more than just nutritious seeds, they contribute to sustainable food systems and a #ZeroHunger world.
- The IYP highlighted the role of pulses in sustainable food production aimed towards improving food security and nutrition.
- Under Resolution A/RES/73/251, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) designated 10 February as World Pulses Day to reaffirm the contribution of pulses for sustainable agriculture and achieving the 2030 Agenda.
About Pulses
- Pulses, also known as legumes, are the edible seeds of leguminous plants cultivated for food. Dried beans, lentils and peas are the most commonly known and consumed types of pulses.
- Staples dishes and cuisines from across the world feature pulses, from hummus in the Mediterranean (chick peas), to a traditional full English breakfast (baked navy beans) to Indian dal (peas or lentils).
