Upgrading Human Nutrition through the Improvement of Food Legumes

UN Protein Advisory Group statement advancing food legume research as a priority area for the CGIAR and other international research agencies. Eight legume crops are identified as having the highest potential contributions to the diets and nutrition of populations living in the ecological zones where they are produced: chickpeas, broad beans, peas, cowpeas, pigeon peas, soy beans, dry beans, and groundnuts. Genetic improvement of these crops in terms of their protein content and digestibility is identified as the priority within legume research, with additional criteria for evaluating the value of such crops including post harvest issues and consumer acceptability. Agenda item presented at TAC Fourth Meeting, July-August 1972.