Legacy of the International Year of Pulses

Abstract

The nutritional value of pulses for humans and the importance they have for improving sustainability of agricultural systems had been acknowledged by declaring 2016 as the International Year of Pulses (IYP). Awareness raising activities on the many benefits of pulses for food security, nutrition and agricultural systems were carried out worldwide by FAO and its partners, as well as by public and private sector entities, research centres, educational institutions and media. The IYP provided considerable impetus behind changing the perception of the general public about pulses. This perception change might be able to remodel the production and consumption patterns of pulses, which can further enhance the fight against poverty and malnutrition and increase the sustainability of agricultural systems. Additionally, the possible endorsement of a World Pulses Day could consolidate the momentum created by the IYP; however, the participation of different stakeholders is needed to create an enabling environment for the sustainable increase of pulse production and consumption.