http://www.fao.org/pulses-2016/en/ Overview of the 2016 International Year of Pulses. ©FAO: www.fao.org

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nutritious seeds for a sustainable future

2. 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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3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. Website (fao.org/pulses-2016)
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7. #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

8. 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