Pulses are sources of protein and micronutrients.

 

Key messages

Pulses are everyday foods and a powerful source of nutrients

Versatile, nutritious and affordable, pulses are sources of protein and micronutrients contributing therefore to fighting hunger and malnutrition around the world.

Pulses bring diversity from farm to table

With several types available, farmers and consumers have an extensive array of choices – to suit their farming practices, market needs, cultures and dietary preferences. These add richness in terms of flavor and nutritional variety to diets. Greater crop diversity, which includes pulses, both on-farm and in the foods on our plates, is therefore key to resilient cropping systems and healthier people and ecosystems.

Pulses bridge tradition and innovation

Rooted in historic culinary traditions, pulses are now driving a wave of innovation in food products. Whether turned into flours, pastas, snacks or proteins, pulses open doors for chefs, entrepreneurs and farmers to create foods that satiate evolving tastes, preferences and needs in a changing world.

Pulses are hardy crops that protect the environment

They require fewer external inputs, adapt to harsh environments, and leave a lighter environmental footprint than many other staples, helping build climate-resilient agrifood systems.

Pulses go well with any type of food

They are so versatile and diverse that they can be enjoyed with any kind of food. They transform simple dishes into flavorful, nutritious and affordable meals.


Facts and figures

• There are hundreds of types of pulses
• The amount of pulses traded is approximately 20 million tonnes per year
• The first cultivated pulses were bitter vetch, chickpea, lentil and pea
• 97 million tonnes of pulses produced worldwide in 2024
• The global annual consumption of pulses in 2024 2 was 7 kg per capita on average; with the highest consumption in Africa (11 kg per capita) and the lowest consumption in Europe (3.53 kg per capita)
• Pea is the most produced pulse in the European Union (2.2 million tonnes in 2024)
• India is the largest producer of pulses worldwide (25.3 million tonnes in 2024)
• Canada dedicated in 2024 1.6 million ha to lentil production alone
• Brazil is the largest producer of pulses in South America (3 million tonnes in 2024)
• Nigeria is the largest producer of pulses in Africa (4.3 million tonnes in 2024)