To mark World Pulses Day, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, organized the FAO KP Farmers’ Market, bringing together farmers, policymakers, private sector actors, and development partners to highlight the role of pulses in building sustainable, climate-resilient agrifood systems in Pakistan.
The event served as a platform to promote pulses as strategic crops for improving soil health, strengthening food and nutrition security, and supporting livelihoods in climate-vulnerable regions, particularly in rain-fed and marginal agricultural areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Pulses at the Heart of Sustainable Agrifood Systems
During the event, FAO emphasized the critical contribution of pulses and legumes—including peas, mung beans, red beans, and soybeans—to sustainable agriculture. Pulses naturally enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, and contribute to diversified cropping systems that are better equipped to withstand climate shocks.
Experts highlighted that promoting pulses is not only an agricultural strategy but also a climate action and nutrition intervention, aligning with global efforts to reduce environmental footprints while improving dietary diversity.
Pakistan’s Pulse Production Gap and Import Dependence
Despite their importance, Pakistan’s domestic pulse production has failed to keep pace with growing demand. Pulses are currently cultivated on approximately 1.3 million hectares, yet the country remains a net importer, with imports accounting for a significant share of national consumption.
FAO officials noted that this imbalance presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Given their adaptability to rain-fed conditions and low-input farming, pulses offer strong potential to:
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Strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods
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Restore degraded soils
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Reduce reliance on costly agricultural imports
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Improve nutrition outcomes, particularly in food-insecure regions
Provinces such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where many farmers operate in marginal environments, were highlighted as key areas where pulse-based farming systems could deliver transformative impact.
FAO KP Farmers’ Market: Linking Farmers to Markets
The FAO KP Farmers’ Market showcased a wide range of FAO-supported agricultural products, including:
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Pulses and legumes
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Vegetables
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Edible oils
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Dairy products
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Processed staple foods
All products were produced by farmers trained under FAO programmes, including Farmer Field Schools and climate-smart agriculture initiatives. The market aimed to raise public awareness about sustainable production practices while strengthening direct market linkages between farmers and buyers.
Around 100 participants attended the event, including representatives from government departments, restaurants, chambers of commerce, exporters, retailers, and high-value market actors. The interaction created space for dialogue on quality standards, market requirements, and direct sourcing opportunities, helping farmers better integrate into formal value chains.
FAO Reaffirms Commitment to Climate-Smart Farming
Speaking at the event, Kiyal Akmatbek, FAO’s Head of Office, underlined the importance of pulses in sustainable agriculture.
“Pulses and legumes—such as peas, red beans, mung beans, and soybeans—play a vital role in improving soil fertility, reducing production costs, and strengthening food and nutrition security,” she said.
She reaffirmed FAO’s continued support to farmers through improved agronomic practices, climate-smart cropping systems, and capacity-building initiatives, aimed at increasing productivity while protecting natural resources.
Promoting Good Practices Across Value Chains
The Farmers’ Market also featured informational standees highlighting FAO-supported best practices across multiple value chains. These demonstrated how improved production methods, better post-harvest handling, and value addition can benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment alike.
By showcasing real-world examples, FAO aimed to encourage wider adoption of sustainable practices and illustrate how climate-smart agriculture can translate into economic and environmental gains.
World Pulses Day and Pakistan’s Agrifood Future
Observed globally on 10 February, World Pulses Day raises awareness about the role of pulses in sustainable development, climate resilience, and healthy diets. Through initiatives like the FAO KP Farmers’ Market, FAO continues to work closely with provincial authorities, farmers, and the private sector to strengthen pulse value chains and promote inclusive and resilient agrifood systems in Pakistan.
As Pakistan grapples with climate change, food insecurity, and rising input costs, pulses are increasingly seen not just as a crop—but as a strategic solution for a more sustainable agricultural future.
