Lentil an underutilized legume crop for nutritional security

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is a highly nutritious yet underutilized legume crop with significant potential for enhancing global food and nutritional security. It is rich in protein, dietary fiber, essential micronutrients, and bioactive compounds, making it a valuable component of a balanced diet, particularly in regions facing malnutrition. Despite its nutritional benefits and adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions, lentil remains underexploited due to limited production, lack of awareness, and inadequate research investments. Promoting lentil cultivation can contribute to ecological agriculture improving soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation and offering a climate-resilient alternative to major staple crops. This article explores the nutritional profile, agronomic benefits, and challenges associated with lentil production while emphasizing the need for policy interventions and research advancements to enhance its role in food security and sustainable development.