Pulses and Grains: The Future of Plant-Based Diets

Pulses and grains have sustained human civilization for thousands of years, forming the backbone of diets since the earliest days of settled agriculture. As societies transitioned from hunting and gathering to farming during the Neolithic era, the cultivation of legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans became central to food security and nutrition. These crops were not only easy to store and cultivate, but also provided essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support growing populations. For centuries, especially in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, pulses were a dietary staple alongside grains like wheat, millet, and rice.

The global rise in meat consumption, especially in post-medieval Europe and throughout the industrialized world, gradually shifted dietary preferences toward animal protein. This shift was often associated with economic prosperity and urbanization. However, mounting evidence linking excessive red and processed meat intake to chronic health issues such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity has catalyzed a renewed global focus on plant-based diets.

In response, international organizations have begun advocating for a return to traditional food systems that emphasize legumes. The United Nations' designation of 2016 as the International Year of Pulses marked a turning point in global awareness. The FAO highlighted pulses not only as environmentally sustainable crops due to their nitrogen-fixing properties and low water requirements but also as potent allies in the fight against malnutrition and non-communicable diseases. Their high protein, fiber, and micronutrient content, along with low glycemic index and absence of cholesterol, make them ideal for promoting heart health and managing weight.

Today, in the face of climate change, rising food insecurity, and health crises, pulses and grains are regaining their place at the center of global food systems. Their affordability, sustainability, and nutritional density position them as critical components of a resilient, healthy, and equitable food future.

Legume Consumption and Production in Türkiye

Türkiye, situated in the historic Fertile Crescent, is renowned as a center of origin and biodiversity for many legume species. The country maintains a deep-rooted cultural and culinary tradition of consuming legumes, and its population continues to rely heavily on them for daily nutrition. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK, 2023), annual per capita consumption remains robust, averaging 3 kg of beans, 4.5 kg of lentils, and 5.5 kg of chickpeas. These figures place Türkiye among the world’s top consumers of legumes, reflecting their central role in national diets, especially in rural households where pulses serve as affordable and protein-rich food options.

Despite this strong domestic demand, Türkiye's legume production faces significant challenges. In 2023, the total area under dry legume cultivation stood at 878,712 hectares, representing just 4.33% of the country’s total agricultural land (TEPGE, 2024). Chickpeas dominated with 458,771 hectares (52.20%), followed by red lentils at 278,152 hectares (31.65%), dry beans at 88,456 hectares (10.06%), and green lentils at 44,778 hectares (5.09%). However, despite favorable climatic conditions and a long-standing tradition of legume farming, yields have declined in recent years. Key contributing factors include the growing preference for more profitable crops, reduced support prices, low market access for smallholder farmers, and limited mechanization in legume farming.

This stagnation in production has resulted in Türkiye increasingly turning to legume imports to meet consumer demand. According to the Turkish Grain Board (TMO, 2023), import reliance has grown steadily, especially for red lentils and chickpeas. This trend not only threatens national food security but also undermines the potential for rural income generation and agrobiodiversity preservation. Reinvigorating the legume sector through targeted policies, improved value chains, and sustainable farming incentives will be essential to bridging the production-consumption gap and enhancing Türkiye’s food sovereignty.

Addressing Challenges and Unlocking Opportunities

Türkiye’s legume sector, once a global benchmark for pulse production and biodiversity, now faces mounting challenges that threaten its long-term sustainability and self-sufficiency. One of the foremost concerns is declining domestic production. Between 2010 and 2023, the total area dedicated to legume cultivation contracted by 15%, a decline attributed largely to stagnant yields and outdated farming practices (TZOB, 2023). The lack of innovation in seed technology, poor irrigation infrastructure, and limited access to mechanization have further compounded the problem, pushing farmers toward alternative, more profitable crops such as cereals and industrial cash crops.

This production shortfall has made Türkiye increasingly reliant on imports. In 2023 alone, the country imported over 200,000 tons of lentils and chickpeas, mainly from Canada and Kazakhstan (TURKSTAT, 2024). Such dependence not only threatens national food security but also undermines local agricultural resilience. A major driver behind this trend is the relatively lower government support for legume growers. Compared to cereal farmers, those cultivating pulses receive fewer subsidies and have limited access to guaranteed procurement, leading to declining profitability and disincentivizing long-term investment (Ministry of Agriculture, 2023).

Yet, the legume sector holds immense potential for renewal. Global trends indicate a surge in demand for plant-based proteins, with the international legume market now valued at over $40 billion (FAO, 2023). In addition to their dietary benefits, legumes are essential for sustainable farming systems, as they fix atmospheric nitrogen, thereby improving soil fertility and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers (ICARDA, 2022). Türkiye’s strategic location, diverse agro-ecological zones, and historical reputation for quality pulses position it well for export growth, especially to the Middle East and European Union.

To harness this potential, Türkiye must prioritize revitalizing its legume sector through supportive policy interventions. These should include increasing subsidies for inputs such as fuel, fertilizer, and certified seeds; implementing a difference payment support system to protect farmer incomes from market fluctuations; promoting modern cultivation techniques through extension services and training; and expanding export incentives targeting high-potential markets. With a coordinated strategy that aligns economic, health, and environmental goals, Türkiye can reestablish itself as a competitive and sustainable leader in global legume production.

Conclusion

Pulses and grains are experiencing a timely resurgence as global food systems face intersecting challenges of climate change, health crises, and food insecurity. Historically central to human diets, these crops are regaining prominence for their affordability, sustainability, and rich nutritional profile. The renewed global emphasis on plant-based diets, bolstered by international campaigns like the UN’s International Year of Pulses, has highlighted their role in combating malnutrition, chronic diseases, and environmental degradation.

In Türkiye, the cultural and dietary significance of legumes remains strong, but production has not kept pace with demand. Declining cultivation, limited government support, and rising imports have eroded the country’s traditional strength in pulse farming. This trend poses risks to both food security and rural livelihoods, particularly for smallholder farmers.

Yet, Türkiye is well-positioned to lead a legume revival. Its geographic advantages, agrobiodiversity, and growing global demand present a unique opportunity. With targeted investment in modern farming techniques, policy reforms, and export-driven incentives, Türkiye can revitalize its pulse sector. By bridging the production-consumption gap, the country can reduce import dependency, enhance rural incomes, and contribute to global sustainability goals. Legumes are more than historical staples, they are strategic assets for a healthier, more resilient future.

References: FAO; TEPGE; TÜİK; Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry; ICARDA; TMO; TZOB; TURKSTAT

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

The writer is affiliated with the Department of Agricultural Economics, Selcuk University, Konya-Türkiye and can be reached at mdirek@selcuk.edu.tr

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