Q7. Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulses because of which the year 2016 was declared as the International Year of Pulses by the United Nations.

Model Answer:

Introduction

The United Nations declared 2016 as the International Year of Pulses to highlight the significant role pulses play in sustainable agriculture, food security, and human health. Pulses, such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas, offer numerous advantages that contribute to economic, environmental, and nutritional well-being.

Body

 Nutritional Benefits:

• Rich in Protein: Pulses are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them essential for vegetarians and populations with limited access to animal protein.
• High in Nutrients: Pulses are rich in essential nutrients like iron, potassium, magnesium, and fibre, contributing to a balanced diet and improved health, especially in developing countries where malnutrition is prevalent.
• Low in Fat: Pulses are naturally low in fat and free of cholesterol, making them ideal for heart health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity.

Environmental Advantages:

• Nitrogen Fixation: Pulses naturally fix nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers. This enhances soil fertility and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.
• Water Efficiency: Pulses require less water compared to other staple crops, such as rice or wheat, making them an ideal choice for cultivation in water-scarce regions.
• Low Carbon Footprint: Growing pulses emits fewer greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change mitigation and promoting environmentally sustainable farming.

Economic Benefits:

• Improved Livelihoods: Pulses contribute to the livelihoods of small-scale farmers by providing income through local and global trade. As a versatile crop, they can be grown in diverse climates and conditions, offering economic resilience.
• Crop Diversification: Pulses support crop rotation, reducing the risk of soil degradation and pest infestation, and enhancing the overall productivity of farmlands.

Conclusion

‍The cultivation of pulses offers numerous advantages, including improving nutrition, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and providing economic benefits. By declaring 2016 as the International Year of Pulses, the United Nations aimed to raise awareness of their role in achieving food security, environmental sustainability, and better health outcomes globally.

‍

Instant Mains Evaluation with SuperKalam

✅ Now that you have gone through the model answer, try practicing and writing it in your own words and evaluate it instantly with SuperKalam here - Evaluate Mains Answer instantly