On February 10, 2025, the celebration of World Pulses Day 2025 by the Smallholder Adaptive Farming and Biodiversity Network (SAFBIN) in Madhya Pradesh exemplifies the global importance of pulses in sustainable agriculture and nutrition security. This event not only highlighted the nutritional benefits of pulses but also their crucial role in promoting biodiversity and sustainable farming practices.

SAFBIN’s initiative to involve over 150 smallholder farmers, including 87 women, in the villages of Chakeri, Mothi, Dhauranala, Surajpura, and Ahmadpur in the Sagar and Mandla districts of Madhya Pradesh underscores the importance of gender inclusivity in agricultural development. By focusing on women farmers, the program addresses the often-overlooked role of women in agriculture and food security.

The exhibition of traditional pulse varieties served a dual purpose of preserving agricultural heritage and promoting nutritional awareness. By showcasing local varieties, SAFBIN contributes to the conservation of agricultural biodiversity, while educating farmers about the nutritional benefits of pulses can lead to improved dietary practices in rural communities. This approach aligns with the global theme of World Pulses Day 2025: “Pulses: Bringing Diversity to Agrifood Systems”, emphasizing the role of pulses in creating more diverse, sustainable, and resilient food systems.

The awareness session on improved cultivation practices highlighted several key aspects of pulse farming, including their climate resilience, contribution to soil health, and role in crop diversification. Pulses’ low water requirement makes them ideal crops for regions facing water scarcity, while their nitrogen-fixing properties contribute to soil fertility, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Integrating pulses into farming systems enhances overall farm productivity and resilience, making them a crucial component of sustainable agriculture.

By combining traditional knowledge with modern agricultural practices, SAFBIN’s approach to celebrating World Pulses Day demonstrates how local actions can contribute to global goals of food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. This holistic approach not only empowers smallholder farmers but also addresses broader issues of climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and rural development.

As we look towards the future, initiatives like SAFBIN’s World Pulses Day celebration serve as a model for integrating sustainable agriculture practices with community empowerment and nutritional education.