FAO highlights role of pulses in fighting hunger

FAO Member States to encourage ways of including pulses in snack food products

Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations- FAO Director-General QU Dongyu has highlighted pulses’ crucial role in addressing food insecurity and achieving healthy and balanced diets for all, pointing to the need to unlock their full potential to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda.

The Director-General made the remarks at a special ceremony at FAO Headquarters in Rome, in which FAO observed World Pulses Day. In particular, he called for an increase in research and extension services for farmers growing all kinds of pulses.

Pulses have a higher selling price than other staple crops, he said, noting that pulses offer an important cash crop opportunity to smallholders, while also contributing towards environmental and biodiversity goals.

Pulses are a “beautiful piece in the puzzle”, QU said, highlighting that the crops present a wide range of flavors and adapt to different landscapes. He also urged FAO Member States to encourage ways of including pulses in snack food products.

The FAO Director-General reiterated FAO’s commitment to continue working with all partners on improving the production and consumption of pulses as a means to contribute to healthy nutrition – especially the micronutrient needs of children and of elderly people – and sustainable agricultural and food systems. “We need the private sector, farmers, governments and academia to work together with us,” he concluded.