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nutritious seeds for a sustainable future

What are pulses?

Pulses are a type of leguminous crop that are harvested solely for the dry seed. Dried beans, lentils and peas are the most commonly known and consumed types of pulses.

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Pulses are important because…

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• they are packed with nutrients and have high protein and fibre content.• their nitrogen-fixing properties improve soil

fertility.• they have a broad genetic diversity from which

climate-resilient varieties can be selected.• they are highly water efficient and their

production has low greenhouse gas emissions.• they can be stored for months without losing

their high nutritional value.

Key messages of the Year

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Pulses are highly nutritious.

Pulses are economically accessible and contribute to food security at all levels.

Pulses have important health benefits.

Pulses foster sustainable agriculture and contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Pulses promote biodiversity.

Objectives of the Year

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Promote the value and utilization of pulses throughout the food system

Raise awareness about the benefits of pulses, including sustainable agriculture and nutrition

Encourage connections to further global production

Foster enhanced research

Advocate for better utilization of pulses in crop rotations

Address the challenges in the trade of pulses

Website (fao.org/pulses-2016)

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#IYP2016 on Social Media

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https://www.facebook.com/UNFAO

https://twitter.com/FAOKnowledge https://twitter.com/FAOnews

https://www.linkedin.com/company/fao

https://plus.google.com/+UNFAO/

https://www.pinterest.com/unfao/international-year-of-pulses/

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzp5NgJ2-dK5a5fsKvfMCyFtFk4bzq4K3

How you can help

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• Submit a blog post to pulses-2016@fao.org• Provide translations for the logo and leaflet• Plan an event in your region, e.g. educational

events or tastings• Contribute recipes to the collection• Contribute to resources with relevant papers or

publications• Bring available materials to related meetings or

seminars

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fao.org/pulses-2016 | pulses-2016@fao.org

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Viale delle Terme di Caracalla

00153, Rome Italy