Crop Simulation Models for Climate Change Adaptation in Pearl Millet

Globally, climate change has a negative impact on food security, particularly in developing nations where a growing population is battling food and nutritional insecurity. It is anticipated that there will be a 10% increase of dry land areas worldwide, along with increased climate variability and extreme weather events (drought and heat stress). Pearl millet is a resilient and climate-smart nutricereal, ideal for areas vulnerable to drought and heat stress. It is a water saving, drought tolerant, and climate change complaint crop. In spite of these unique features, the yields of pearl millet are very low due to lack of optimum production practices under changing climate conditions. A better understanding on the impact of climate change on crop productivity and possible adaptation strategies to mitigate these effects is needed to increase its productivity. Many pearl millet crop simulation models are in use to simulate crop growth and development in response to management decisions. However, recent advances in modeling enabled to simulate the effect of climate change on crop yields and predict adaptation strategies to mitigate these adverse effects. These models assist the researchers, stakeholders. and policy makers to address and adapt to the current and future climate changes.