World Pulses Day (WPD) is observed today to raise awareness among the populace about the nutritional and environmental perks of pulses as part of sustainable food production. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations implemented the International Year of Pulses in 2016 which was a successful program that identified the incredible benefits of pulses. To further attain the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) entitled 10 February as World Pulses Day in 2018.
This year’s theme is “Pulses for a Sustainable Future”, which stresses the need to improve the production and consumption of pulses in order to attain a more sustainable future. This can be achieved via several initiatives encouraging the uses of pulses in agriculture, improving the access to knowledge and education about pulses, and promoting their usage in food and nutritional programs. To make this vision come true, it is essential to bring together stakeholders from across the food system comprising farmers, processors, retailers, and consumers. Working together, we can assure that pulses are identified for their indispensable value and hold a key role in the future of the food and agriculture system.
Importance Of World Pulses Day
The event boons a unique opportunity to highlight public awareness about pulses and the essential role these nutrient-dense foods play in the changing to more effective, inclusive, robust, and sustainable agricultural systems for improved production, nutrition, and ecological and better life outcomes, leaving no one behind.
Pulses include beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas which are a staple food in many regions of the globe, mainly in developing countries. They serve as an affordable source of protein and other nutrients that hold a significant role in reducing hunger and malnutrition. Also, these crops are greatly sustainable, as they need less water and land compared to other protein sources thus making them an important device in the fight against climate change.
The establishment of World Pulses Day reflects the growing recognition of the importance of pulse crops in addressing global food security and environmental challenges. The day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of pulses, promote their consumption and production, and encourage greater investment in the sector.
Also Read: 5 Dals That Must Be Part Of Your Daily Diet
Why Are Pulses An Essential Crop?
Nutritional Value
Pulses are an essential source of food for people across the globe, offering vital nutrition like protein, fibre, iron, vitamins, and minerals. Thereby, making an ideal source of protein for vegetarians and in places where meat and dairy are not physically or economically accessible. Being low in fat and rich in soluble fibre, adding them to diet regimens helps to diminish cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar spikes. These health-benefiting actions of pulses are recommended by several eminent health organizations for the management of diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, pulses are also known to fight obesity.
Food Security
Pulses are a valued crop for farmers and hold a key role in global food security. Pulses are also extremely sustainable, as they fix nitrogen in the soil, thus lowering the need for synthetic fertilizers and enhancing soil health. Also, they are an essential crop, as they can both sell and consume, which supports farmers maintain household food stability and economic security.
Environmental Benefits
The nitrogen-fixing traits of pulses enhance soil fertility, which improves and extends the productivity of the farmland. Also using pulses for intercropping and cover crops, farmers can promote farm biodiversity and soil biodiversity, while keeping pests and diseases at bay. Furthermore, pulses are also extremely sustainable, as they fix nitrogen in the soil, thus lowering the need for synthetic fertilizers and enhancing soil health.
Staples dishes from across the globe feature pulses, from hummus in the Mediterranean to a traditional English breakfast baked navy beans to Indian comfort food dal chawal. Pulses are one of the most important ingredients in Indian cuisine, where at least one kind of pulse is used in the daily menu be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
On this World Pulses Day try out this simple and delicious recipe to reap the incredible wellness benefits of pulses and optimize your overall health.
Mixed Dal Fry
Ingredients
For Pressure Cooking:
¼ cup toor dal
¼ cup moong dal
¼ cup masoor dal
¼ cup chana dal
¼ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp oil
3 cups water
For Gravy:
2 tsp ghee
1 tsp jeera seeds
2 pods cardamom
1 bay leaf
3 dried red chilli
1 onion finely chopped
1 tomato finely chopped
2 green chilli chopped
1 tsp ginger garlic paste
¼ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp garam masala
Salt to taste
For Garnish
Finely chopped coriander leaves
Method:
Take a pressure cooker add oil and fry the dals for a few minutes, then add turmeric powder, water, and salt and pressure cook for 5 whistles on a medium flame.
In a pan heat ghee and saute jeera seeds, cardamom, bay leaf and dried red chilli.
Add onion and green chilli sauté well until onion turns translucent, then add ginger garlic paste, and stir till the raw smell goes.
Now add tomatoes and cook till the tomatoes turn soft and mushy, to this add turmeric powder, garam masala, salt and cooked dal and mix well.
Add water to adjust the consistency as needed and cover the lid and simmer for 5-8 minutes until the dal absorbs the flavour.
Garnish with coriander leaves.
Serve dal fry with hot rice or roti.
