World Pulses Day Pulses to empower youth in achieving sustainable agrifood systems on 10-02-2022

World Pulses day is celebrated annually on 10th February every year and the theme for 2022 is “Pulses to empower youth in achieving sustainable agrifood systems”. Pulses were part of human and animal food for times immemorial but indices like malnutrition, hunger, poverty and shortage of foods have increased world’s concern to meet the new targets of feeding the burgeoning population through a healthy, hygienic and sufficient diet. In this context, pulses are both economical and as nutritional. These pulses provide protein, dietary fibre as well as a significant amount of iron, zinc, folate and magnesium thereby enhancing quality of diet. In addition, the phytochemicals like saponins and tannins in pulses possess antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic effects. Pulses are legumes or small plants with edible seeds. The term “pulses” differentiates from “crops” because pulses are harvested when the seeds become dry whereas crops are harvested with their plants are still green. Pulses include beans, dry peas and lentils whereas dals used in the Indian subcontinent are dried, split pulses requiring no pre-soaking. India is the largest producer of pulses in the world. These dals are the most common and versatile food that one can find in an Indian kitchen. They are used on a regular basis to make curry in Indian staple diet and form the main ingredient in several authentic recipes. These dals are flavourful, nutritious and super healthy. KVK, Wyra celebrated World Pulses Day at Mudigonda village, Mudigonda Mandal, Khammam with 57 farmers and 6 extension functionaries, 1 VIP of Local sarpanch and KVK scientists. Dr. J. Hemantha Kumar, Programme Coordinator and scientists Dr. K. Ravi Kumar, Dr. V. Chaitanya attended the meeting. Dr.K. Ravi Kumar, SMS (Entomology) briefed about the origin, importance of pulses day, role of pulses in day to day life for human health and also the importance of pulses cultivation in improving soil fertility. Dr. V. Chaitanaya, SMS (Horticulture) explained the nutritional importance of pulses in human diet, pulses exports, imports and also stressed the importance of pulses day. Dr. J. Hemantha Kumar, programme Coordinator explained the common problems in cultivation of pulses, varieties available pests and disease management, nutritional importance and preparation of pulse-based recipes. Smt. Radha, MAO , Mudigonda addressed the farmers for cultivation of pulses crops in larger areas and explained the benefits and net returns by comparing with other crops. Sri. K. Ananatha Ramaiah, Sarpanch, Mudigonda stressed the role of pulses cultivation for better returns and crop rotation in improving soil health. The commonly used pulses were displayed for creating awareness on low-cost pulses available for the benefit of farmers. As part of the programme, the scientists and agriculture department officials of Khammam visited the pulse growing fields and suggested recommendation measures to the farmers for achieving good yields.