Climate Change and Pulses: Impacts, Adaptation Mechanisms and Resilience Strategies

Climate change poses a significant threat to pulse crops across various agroecological zones. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme events reduce yield stability and quality. Elevated carbon dioxide alters physiology but does not offset heat and drought stress. Salinity and waterlogging issues are expanding in coastal and irrigated zones. Pests and diseases shift ranges and intensities. This article synthesisesthe impacts across major pulses, including chickpea, pigeonpea, lentil, black gram, green gram, cowpea, and common bean. It reviews physiological responses, yield effects, and nutritional consequences. It then details adaptation options from gene to field to policy. The article uses case studies and data to illustrate practical pathways. It concludes with a discussion of research gaps and a policy roadmap to safeguard productivity, livelihoods, and dietary protein.