Peshawar, (TW News) – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, organized the FAO KP Farmers’ Market to mark World Pulses Day, bringing together farmers, government representatives, private sector actors, and development partners to promote pulses and climate-smart agriculture.

The event highlighted the role of pulses as strategic crops for sustainable agrifood systems, given their contribution to soil health, climate resilience, and food and nutrition security. Pulses naturally enrich soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, and support diversified and resilient farming systems.

In Pakistan, pulses are grown on around 1.3 million hectares, yet domestic production has not kept pace with growing demand. As a result, Pakistan remains a net importer of pulses, with imports accounting for a significant share of national consumption. Given their suitability for marginal and rain-fed areas, pulses offer strong potential to strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods, restore soil health, and enhance dietary diversity, particularly in provinces such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Farmers’ Market showcased a range of FAO-supported agricultural products, including pulses and legumes, vegetables, edible oils, dairy products, and processed staples produced by farmers trained under FAO programmes. The event aimed to raise public awareness about sustainable production practices while strengthening 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 engagement provided a platform for dialogue on market requirements, quality standards, and opportunities for direct sourcing of produce from farmers.

Speaking at the event, Kiyal Akmatbek, FAO’s Head of Office, emphasized that “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 highlighted FAO’s continued support to farmers through Farmer Field Schools, improved agronomic practices, and climate-smart cropping systems.

The Farmers’ Market also featured informational standees highlighting FAO-supported good practices across different value chains, demonstrating how improved production, post-harvest handling, and value addition benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment.

World Pulses Day, observed globally on 10 February, raises awareness of the contribution of pulses to sustainable development, climate action, and healthy diets. Through initiatives such as the FAO KP Farmers’ Market, FAO continues to work with provincial authorities, farmers, and the private sector to strengthen value chains and promote more resilient and inclusive agrifood systems in Pakistan.