Recent Advancements in Pulses Cultivation: Challenges, Innovations, and Future Directions

Pulses are vital for global food and nutritional security, offering high-quality plant protein, essential micronutrients, and environmental benefits through nitrogen fixation and soil improvement. Despite their significance, productivity remains constrained by abiotic and biotic stresses, limited genetic gains, and socio-economic barriers. Recent advancements in breeding, biotechnology, agronomic practices, and value chain innovations are addressing these challenges, with emerging opportunities in digital agriculture, climate-smart systems, and biofortification. This review synthesizes current global trends, identifies persistent constraints, highlights technological and policy innovations, and outlines future research priorities. Strengthening the integration of scientific advances with supportive policies and market systems will be essential to position pulses as a cornerstone of sustainable and resilient agri-food systems.