Pulses for a diverse agriculture

Ranjan K Baruah *

We consume pulses on a daily basis. Pulses are an important part of our diets. 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.

For us when it comes to pulses then the easiest way is to understand it as dals which are consumed all over India.

For centuries, pulses have been vital to sustainable agriculture and nutrition. In many countries, pulses are part of the cultural heritage and are consumed on a regular or even daily basis.

Pulses are naturally low in fat and contain no cholesterol, which can contribute to reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Pulses are the best sources of plant based protein, good source of iron, naturally gluten free, etc.

To celebrate the importance of these remarkable crops, the United Nations has celebrated 10th February as World Pulses Day since 2018 through the Food and Agricultural Organization( FAO) .

This 2025, under the theme “Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems,” underscores the vital role of pulses in promoting diversity – both above and below the ground. When we integrate pulses into our diets and agrifood systems, we unlock a more sustainable, nutritious and equitable future.

There is no doubt that pulses make essential nutrients available to soils. Pulses get over 60 percent of their nitrogen from the air. This nitrogen is then fed into the soil and allows these legumes to share this nitrogen with nearby crops, essentially reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

Pulses have a natural capacity to mobilize phosphorous and other essential nutrients and micronutrients to soils which can contribute to healthier and larger crop yields.

Pulses help maintain soil biodiversity. Instead of misusing or overusing agro-chemicals which can result in environmental degradation, pulses used in crop rotation systems help to curb and control pests and diseases and pulses enhance soil structure as producing legumes, such as pulses, improves soil structure.

Pulses with their ability to mobilize essential nutrients to soils can help reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and help to decrease greenhouse gas emissions – major drivers of climate change.

They also increase root development, boosting carbon sequestration and contributing to climate change mitigation. I would like to inform our readers that I have taken inputs from the UN publications while compiling this article.

Knowing the importance of pulses one may be also interested to work in the fields related with pulses .One may choose to study agriculture after senior secondary and contribute in the research activities related to pulses.

The most popular courses are B Sc in Agricultural Science for which aspirants must be from the science background. Similarly one may also choose agricultural marketing to brand pulses and reach out to more and more people.

The agricultural sector is undergoing a significant transformation, and pulses are emerging as a vital component of sustainable farming practices.

Pursuing a career in pulses can bring diversity to agriculture, offering numerous benefits like food security, sustainable agriculture, economic empowerment, innovation and research, etc. Career prospects include Pulse Breeding and Genetics, Agronomy and Crop Management, Food Processing and Technology, Marketing and Trade, etc.

The Indian Council for Agriculture Research -Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, is the premier Institute for pulses research in India. The laboratories are well equipped with modern infrastructure and equipment, to carry out cutting edge research in modern science and technology.

The Institute extends facilities for project work and training to students pursuing MSc/M.Tech degrees in Indian Universities/Institutes for three months and six months duration. Aspirants may embark on a rewarding career in pulses and contribute to a more diverse, sustainable, and food-secure agricultural sector.