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UN launched 2016 International Year of Pulses

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The 68th UN General Assembly officially launched the 2016 International Year of Pulses (IYP 2016) at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome, Italy to raise awareness about the protein power and health benefits of all kinds of dried beans and peas, boost their production and trade and to encourage new and smarter uses throughout the food chain.

  • Slogan“nutritious seeds for a sustainable future”
  • FAO has been nominated to facilitate the implementation of the Year in collaboration with Governments, relevant organizations, non-governmental organizations and all other relevant stakeholders.

UN launched 2016 International Year of PulsesWhat are pulses?
Pulses aka grain legumes are a group of 12 crops that includes dry beans, dry peas, chickpeas, and lentils. They are high in protein, fibre and various vitamins, provide amino acids and are hearty crops. They are recognized as an excellent part of a healthy diet throughout the world.

Importance of Pulses

  • Pulses are a vital source of plant-based proteins and amino acids for people around the globe and should be eaten as part of a healthy diet to address obesity.
  • It prevents and manages chronic diseases such as diabetes, coronary conditions and cancer.
  • Pulses are leguminous plants that have nitrogen-fixing properties which can contribute to increasing soil fertility and have a positive impact on the environment.
  • It takes just 43 gallons of water to produce one pound of pulses, compared with 216 for soybeans and 368 for peanuts.