Expert: State’s rich pulse diversity holds promise for food security, sustainability

February 10 marks World Pulses Day, a global initiative highlighting the importance of pulses—lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, and indigenous legumes—in food security, nutrition and environmental sustainability. Dr Tara Devi Sen, head of the Botany Department at Government Vallabh College, Mandi, emphasised that pulses play a crucial role not only in human health but also in promoting sustainable farming practices.

“Pulses are nutritional powerhouses, rich in protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Including them in our daily diet supports overall health while fostering sustainable agriculture,” Dr Tara remarked. She noted that pulses are particularly beneficial for soil health due to their nitrogen-fixing properties, which reduce the need for chemical fertilisers, contributing to environmental sustainability and biodiversity.

In Himachal Pradesh, pulses are more than just a dietary staple; they are integral to local agricultural practices, culture, and economy. Dr Tara highlighted that the state’s diverse agro-climatic conditions allow for the cultivation of a wide variety of pulses. Many of these pulses hold significant cultural value and are used in traditional dishes during festivals and everyday meals.

“Pulses like black gram (mash or urad dal), rajma (kidney beans), kulthi (horse gram) and moth beans have been part of Himachali cuisine for centuries. Rajma from regions like Bharmaur, known for its distinct flavour, is a key ingredient in local dishes such as rajma chawal and madra. Kulthi is prized for its health benefits, especially in improving kidney function, and is popular in the Karsog and Barot regions,” Dr Tara explained.

The wide array of pulses cultivated in Himachal Pradesh contributes significantly to the local economy. The state’s pulses are renowned not only for their taste but also for their nutritional benefits, particularly in improving the protein intake of rural communities. For instance, soybean and moong dal (green gram) are vital sources of protein for both urban and rural populations.

Dr Tara noted, however, that despite their importance, traditional pulse farming has been in decline. Changing dietary habits, the introduction of hybrid crops, and insufficient incentives for traditional farmers are some of the factors affecting pulse cultivation. Nevertheless, efforts are underway to revitalise both the production and consumption of indigenous pulses.

Himachal Pradesh is also home to a number of wild pulses with potential for commercialisation. Dr Tara pointed out that pulses like Bhatt (Dolichos biflorus), Moru (Vigna spp.), and Soodu (Lathyrus sativus) thrive in harsh climates and have the potential to diversify diets and improve soil health. These wild pulses are not widely cultivated yet but could play a vital role in enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture if promoted effectively.

“Wild pulses such as Bhatt and Moru are rich in protein and have adapted to survive in extreme conditions. They hold promise for future farming practices, especially in areas affected by climate change,” Dr Tara remarked. However, she emphasised the need for research and development to improve the yields, marketability, and resilience of these wild pulses.

To promote the cultivation and consumption of pulses, Dr Tara urged a multifaceted approach that includes research, policy support, and educational campaigns. She stressed the importance of integrating traditional farming techniques with modern agricultural practices to improve pulse yields and make them more economically viable for farmers.

“The government must play a key role by providing financial incentives for pulse farmers, supporting the geographical indication (GI) tagging for region-specific pulses, and promoting marketing initiatives. Public campaigns are essential to raise awareness about the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses, especially in urban areas where modern diets often lack legumes,” she said.

Dr Tara stated that World Pulses Day is a reminder of the vital role pulses play in our ecosystems, agricultural systems and cultural heritage. She called for collective action to support the cultivation and consumption of pulses, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future.