Plant more leguminous crops for food security – Professor Omolehin

By Lanre Omotosho

Farmers in the country have been enjoined to plant more leguminous crops to achieve food security and create economic stability.

A lecturer in the department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor Raphael Omolehin gave the advice to commemorate this year’s World Pulses Day.

Professor Omolehin who identified pulses as edible seeds of legume plants of beans and groundnut, said planting them would increase fertility of soil, prevent erosion as well as suppress weed on farmland.

The don also noted that the pulse seeds are packed with nutrients and high protein content, which make them an ideal source of protein for those who do not like to consume meat or dairy.

Professor Omolehin stressed that beans which are part of legumes could be made into Moin-Moin, Akara and soup, while groundnut could be fried or cooked, and their by-products serve as animal feeds.

The don emphasized that pulses are low in fat and rich in soluble fiber, could lower cholesterol, control blood sugar, manage diabetes, heart conditions and combat obesity.

In 2016, the United Nations General Assembly designated February 10 as World Pulses Day to raise awareness about the healthy diets of the seeds, while the theme for this year is “Pulses for a Sustainable Future”.

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