The United Nations has proclaimed 2016 as the International Year of Pulses.
The UN General Assembly voted in New York on December 21 to declare 2016 as the International Year of Pulses, providing a shot in the arm for the world’s healthiest grain foods.
“This is an extraordinary day for the global pulses industry”, declared Hakan Bahceci, President of CICILS, the Dubai headquartered apex body for the international pulses trade and industry.
Beans, lentils, peas and chickpeas have been the cornerstone of global nutrition for centuries; and having a UN declared year will raise the awareness about pulses and the important role they can play in advancing health and nutrition, food security and environmental sustainability, he said. CICILS has set aside $1.1 million as preliminary reserve to fund activities related to the Year.
A series of national committees are being formed around the world by the members-associations of CICILS to work with growers, manufacturers, retailers, governments, NGOs as well as health and science organisations.
With rates of diabetes and obesity on the rise, the UN declared international year presents an opportunity to recognise pulses for their exceptional potential to offer nutritional wellbeing to people everywhere, Bahceci asserted.
vegetable protein From an Indian perspective, pulses are the most economical source of vegetable protein, especially for the poor to fight protein deficiency.
India is the world’s largest producer of pulses (18.5 million tonnes), largest importer (3.5 million tonnes) and largest consumer (22.0 million tonnes).