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Pulses are one of the most ecologically sustainable agricultural
solutions on the planet, thanks to their natural ability to fix
atmospheric nitrogen, grow on rain-fed soil, and provide a healthy
source of protein.
Pulses are environment friendly. For instance, the pigeonpea plant's
woody stems are valuable as firewood, thatch, and fencing. The leaves
are an important source of organic matter and nitrogen; adding as
much as 40 kg per hectare to the soil. The cowpea plant’s foliage
is a great source of livestock feed, and therefore of great value
to farmers.
The cultivation of pulses and legumes has several benefits for the
farming community, the land and society in general:
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Reduction of fertiliser costs, as farmers do not need to supply
nitrogen, the main component of most fertiliser. |
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Natural rejuvenation of the soil, as the pulse crops fix nitrogen.
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Low water usage, as the crops do not require extensive irrigation.
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Reduction in CO2 emissions, as there is a reduced need for
fertilisers and, subsequently, fossil fuels that are used to
manufacture fertilisers. |
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Reduction in greenhouse gases (along with the absorption of
CO2, pulse crops also lower nitrous oxide levels in the atmosphere
by their ability to fix nitrogen). |
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Providing a vegetarian alternative to animal protein. |
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