Lunglei District, along with the rest of the world observed World Pulses Day, a designated United Nations global event to recognize the importance of pulses (chickpeas, dry beans, lentils, dry peas and lupins among others) as a global food on 10^th February (Monday). The programme, held at the District agriculture Conference Hall had Lunglei DC Pu V. Lalsangliana as the Chief Guest. The programme was attended by Government officials, media persons, NGO leaders and farmers.

Pu V. Lalsangliana thanked the District Agriculture Officer, Pu Tlangtimawia and his team for organizing the event with the aim of spreading awareness on the importance of pulse cultivation and consumption among the residents of Lunglei District.  Stating that Mizos are traditionally heavy meat eaters, and that our meat rich diet has had serious effects on our health, the Deputy Commissioner expressed hope that the initiative would influence more people to gradually transition towards a pulses and vegetables rich balanced diet. He also advised the Agriculture Department staff and the farmers to centre their efforts towards cultivating crops and vegetables with high nutritional value.

Lunglei DAO Pu Tlangtimawia Zote chaired the function. Pi Baby Lalremkimi, AEO Lungli gave a Report on Pulses Cultivation within Lunglei District while Pi Lalmalsawmi, Nutritionist, ICDS Lunglei spoke about the nutritional benefits of pulses.

Recognizing the value of pulses, the UN General Assembly, on 20 December 2013, adopted a resolution proclaiming 2016 as the International Year of Pulses (IYP). The celebration of the year, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), increased the public awareness of the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production.

Building on the success of the International Year of Pulses and recognizing their potential to further achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with particular relevance to Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 12, 13 and 15, Burkina Faso proposed the observance of World Pulses Day. In 2019, the General Assembly proclaimed 10 February as the World Pulses Day.

Monday’s World Pulses Day function was the first observance for Lunglei District.