United Nations World Pulses Day celebrated in New Delhi

On February 10, 2020 the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare inaugurated the celebrations of World Pulses Day in New Delhi that aims to increase the production of pulses.

Significance

Pulses are important to improve soil fertility. They help to increase the productivity of the farmland. They also help to promote farm bio diversity by using intercropping methods. Also, the pulses help to reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers as they naturally introduce nitrogen in the soil.

Background

The UN Pulses Day resolution was adopted in 2013 claiming the year 2016 as International Pulses Day. The day is being celebrated since 2019. By celebrating the day, the United Nations aim to increase public awareness of environmental and nutritional benefits of pulses.

It is important to promote cultivation os pulses as it helps farmers to create economic stability and household food security.

Pulses Production in India

India became self-sufficient in pulses since 2016-17. In 2018-19, India produced 22 million tonnes of pulses. It is now working to achieve the target of 26.30 million tonnes by 2018-19.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2020