World Pulses Day 2026

World Pulses Day 2026: Theme, Significance, and Importance for Competitive Exams

World Pulses Day 2026 marks a crucial observance in the global calendar, highlighting the pivotal role of pulses in achieving sustainable food security and nutrition. For aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and State PSC exams, this topic is not just about a date but connects deeply with agriculture, economy, and environmental sustainability. Understanding the nuances of this day helps strengthen your general knowledge and provides valuable content for both Preliminary and Mains examinations. In our Daily Current Affairs 10 February 2026 pillar post, we briefly touched upon this event; however, given its multidimensional importance, a deep dive is essential. This article explores the history, 2026 theme, and static GK related to pulses to boost your preparation for daily current affairs and upcoming exams.

What Is the News? (In Brief)

On February 10, 2026, the world observed World Pulses Day, a global event led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. This day is dedicated to recognizing the importance of pulses (dry beans, lentils, dry peas, chickpeas, lupins) as a global food source. The observance aims to raise public awareness about the nutritional benefits of pulses and their contribution to sustainable food systems and a world without hunger.

The 2026 celebration emphasizes the role of pulses in combating climate change and ensuring soil health. Various international organizations, agricultural bodies, and national governments, including the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in India, organized seminars and awareness campaigns. These events highlighted how integrating pulses into cropping systems can reduce the dependency on synthetic fertilizers due to their nitrogen-fixing properties.

Furthermore, the observance this year comes at a critical time when global food prices are fluctuating. The FAO and member nations reiterated their commitment to increasing the production and consumption of pulses to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12).

Background & Static GK Linkage

To master current affairs mcq sections, understanding the historical and scientific background is vital.

Historical Background

The journey of World Pulses Day began with the International Year of Pulses (IYOP) in 2016, which was led by the FAO. The success of this year-long celebration demonstrated the potential of pulses to contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Recognizing this, Burkina Faso proposed the observance of World Pulses Day. In 2019, the UN General Assembly officially proclaimed February 10 as World Pulses Day.

Scientific & Nutritional Foundation

Pulses are the edible seeds of plants in the legume family. They are distinct from vegetable crops like green peas or green beans because they are harvested as dry grains.

• Nitrogen Fixation: Pulses have a unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, improving soil fertility and reducing the carbon footprint of agriculture.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: They are low in fat and rich in soluble fiber, which lowers cholesterol and helps control blood sugar. They are a critical source of plant-based protein and amino acids for people around the globe.

India’s Status (Static GK)

• Global Position: India is the largest producer (approx. 25% of global production), largest consumer (approx. 27% of global consumption), and largest importer (approx. 14% of global trade) of pulses.
• Key States: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka are the top pulse-producing states.
• Rabi vs. Kharif:
  • Rabi Pulses: Gram (Chickpea), Lentil (Masur), Peas. (Account for higher production share).
  • Kharif Pulses: Tur (Arhar/Pigeon Pea), Urad (Black Gram), Moong (Green Gram).

Key Features / Provisions / Highlights of 2026

• Theme 2026: The specific theme for 2026 is “Nutritious Seeds for a Sustainable Future.” This theme underscores the dual benefit of pulses: providing essential nutrients to humans while nurturing the planet through sustainable agricultural practices.
• Focus on Youth: The 2026 campaign places a special emphasis on engaging youth in agriculture, encouraging them to adopt pulse farming as a profitable and sustainable livelihood.
• Climate Resilience: Discussions highlighted pulses as “climate-smart crops” because they have a low water footprint compared to other protein sources like livestock and can tolerate drought conditions better.
• Policy Push in India: The Indian government used the occasion to promote initiatives like the National Food Security Mission (NFSM)-Pulses and the PM-AASHA scheme, ensuring farmers receive Remunerative Prices for their produce.
• Bio-fortification: New varieties of bio-fortified pulses (rich in iron and zinc) were showcased to combat hidden hunger and malnutrition in developing nations.

Why Is This Important for Competitive Exams?

• Prelims Relevance: Questions often appear regarding the theme of the day, the implementing agency (FAO), and India’s rank in production/consumption. Statements about nitrogen fixation or the difference between Rabi and Kharif pulses are common in the general knowledge sections of UPSC and SSC.
• Mains Answer Value: For UPSC GS Paper III (Agriculture, Food Security, Cropping Patterns), pulses are a high-yield topic. You can quote World Pulses Day to substantiate answers on sustainable agriculture, crop diversification, and protein malnutrition.
• Interview Perspective: Questions like “Why is India still importing pulses despite being the largest producer?” or “How do pulses help in climate change mitigation?” are frequent in personality tests.
• Essay Writing: The topic connects to broader themes of Health, Environment, and Sustainable Development, providing excellent fodder for essay content.

Previous Year Questions / Trends

• UPSC CSE Prelims (2020): A question was asked specifically about the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for pulses and the procurement policy.
• UPSC CSE Prelims (2023): Questions on crop characteristics often include pulses as options when discussing nitrogen fixation or dryland farming.
• SSC CGL/CHSL: Direct questions asking “When is World Pulses Day observed?” or “Which state is the largest producer of pulses?” are standard trends.
• Banking Exams: Focus on the Theme of the year and any loan/grant schemes related to agriculture announced around this date.

Exam-Oriented MCQs

1. “World Pulses Day” is observed annually on February 10. Which international organization leads the global observance of this day?

A) World Health Organization (WHO)

B) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

C) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

D) World Food Programme (WFP)

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The FAO facilitates the observance of World Pulses Day to support the production and consumption of pulses as part of sustainable food systems.

2. Which of the following statements regarding pulses is incorrect?

A) They are leguminous crops harvested solely for dry grain.

B) They have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil.

C) Green peas and green beans are classified as pulses.

D) They have a lower water footprint compared to livestock.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Crops harvested green (like green peas/beans) are classified as vegetable crops, not pulses. Pulses refer only to dry grains.

3. In the context of Indian agriculture, which of the following is primarily a Rabi pulse crop?

A) Tur (Pigeon Pea)

B) Moong (Green Gram)

C) Gram (Chickpea)

D) Urad (Black Gram)

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Gram (Chickpea) is a major Rabi crop planted in winter. Tur, Urad, and Moong are primarily Kharif crops (though Moong can be grown in summer/Rabi too).

4. What is the theme for World Pulses Day 2026?

A) Pulses for a Healthy Life

B) Nutritious Seeds for a Sustainable Future

C) Love Pulses for Diet

D) Plant Proteins for a Greener Earth

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The 2026 theme focuses on the nutritional value of pulses and their contribution to a sustainable future.

5. India holds which of the following positions globally regarding pulses?

A) Largest Producer and Largest Exporter

B) Largest Producer, Consumer, and Importer

C) Second Largest Producer after China

D) Largest Consumer but Smallest Producer

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: India is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and importer of pulses, highlighting a significant demand-supply gap.

6. Which Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) is most directly supported by the cultivation of pulses?

A) SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)

B) SDG 5 (Gender Equality)

C) SDG 7 (Affordable Energy)

D) SDG 9 (Industry Innovation)

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Pulses are critical for food security and nutrition, directly supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

One-Line Facts for Revision

• Date: February 10 is World Pulses Day.
• Origin: Established following the success of the International Year of Pulses (2016).
• Scientific Name: Pulses belong to the family Leguminosae.
• Soil Health: Pulses fix nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
• Top State: Madhya Pradesh is traditionally the largest pulse-producing state in India.
• Water Efficiency: Production of 1 kg of lentils requires far less water than 1 kg of chicken or beef.
• Nutrition: Pulses are gluten-free, low in sodium, and high in potassium.

Linkage With Daily Current Affairs

This deep dive into World Pulses Day complements the broader updates found in our Daily Current Affairs 10 February 2026. While the daily post gives you a snapshot of top headlines like the “Bharat Taxi” launch and PM Modi’s Malaysia visit, this spoke post ensures you master the specific agricultural and environmental details required for the static GK and Mains sections of your exam. Revising this topic helps connect current events with static syllabus points like crop patterns and international organizations.

Download & Practice Section

To ensure you retain this information, we have compiled a dedicated Current Affairs PDF that includes this article and additional notes on Indian agriculture. You can also test your knowledge with our updated Quiz Questions section, which features 20+ questions derived from today’s news and this specific topic.

Conclusion

World Pulses Day 2026 serves as a reminder of the critical intersection between agriculture, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. For a competitive exam aspirant, it is a high-yield topic that bridges current affairs with general knowledge. By mastering the facts about pulse production, the 2026 theme, and the role of the FAO, you equip yourself to answer diverse questions in both Prelims and Mains. Make sure to revise the MCQs provided above and integrate these facts into your regular study schedule.

FAQs

1. What is the theme of World Pulses Day 2026?

The theme for 2026 is “Nutritious Seeds for a Sustainable Future.”

2. Why is World Pulses Day celebrated on February 10?

The UN General Assembly designated this date to build on the momentum of the International Year of Pulses (2016).

3. Are green peas considered pulses?

No, green peas harvested fresh are vegetables. Only crops harvested for dry grain are classified as pulses.

4. Which country is the largest producer of pulses?

India is the largest producer of pulses in the world.

5. How do pulses help in daily current affairs preparation?

Topics like pulses cover agriculture, economy, and environment, which are frequent categories in daily news and exams.

6. Where can I find current affairs mcq on this topic?

You can find exam-oriented MCQs in the section above or visit our dedicated MCQ archive page.

7. Is the current affairs pdf available for download?

Yes, the PDF containing this article and daily news is available in the download section.

8. Which Indian state produces the most pulses?

Madhya Pradesh is the leading producer of pulses in India.

9. What is the role of FAO in this event?

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) facilitates the global observance and promotes the benefits of pulses.

10. How does this topic relate to general knowledge (GK)?

It covers static GK facts like crop seasons (Rabi/Kharif), nitrogen fixation, and international organizations.