Drought Stress in Pulse Crops: Consequences and Mitigation Options

Pulses are essential for global food security and nutrition, serving as crucial sources of protein, vitamins, and essential micronutrients for humans. They are well-known for their high protein levels, their ability to enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, and their role in sustainable farming practices. Nonetheless, climate change has exacerbated the frequency and intensity of droughts around the globe, posing significant problems for pulse cultivation. The extent of yield loss in pulse crops can differ between species and even among varieties within a species, depending on the intensity of drought stress and factors such as growth stages, soil types, and agro-climatic conditions. Understanding how drought stress impacts pulses and investigating effective mitigation strategies to ensure food security amid changing climate conditions is vital. This review article compiles reliable information from first-hand sources to highlight the detrimental effects of drought stress on the growth, yield, and physiological activities of pulses. It also recommends mitigation strategies, including agronomic practices, the use of phytohormones, and plant breeding techniques, to reduce yield losses caused by drought. Additionally, it is advised to enhance farmers' awareness of drought stress management and for the government to provide support to growers to help them effectively tackle this challenging issue.