On the Road to a Sustainable and Climate-Smart Future: Recent Advancements in Genetics and Genomics of Pulse Crops in the Hills

In a world grappling with the persistent threats of food insecurity and malnutrition, the urgent need to diversify food sources has never been more evident. This pressing concern is exacerbated by the increasing global demand for food and the looming spectre of climate change. In this context, pulses emerge as a beacon of hope, offering multifarious solutions to the complex tapestry of global food security, nutrition, and environmental sustainability as they possess the unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, enhance soil fertility, and reduce cultivation costs, in addition to their adaptability to diverse cropping systems, further promoting diversification and addressing nutritional and production gaps. However, despite their potential, pulse crop cultivation has faced challenges, particularly in the wake of changing climate and evolving pests and diseases. Unlocking the genetic resources of pulse crops offers a powerful solution to these challenges. These genetic reservoirs harbour traits related to yield, quality, and resistance to various stresses. Leveraging these resources through efficient breeding programmes has the potential to revolutionize pulse crop productivity and resilience, ultimately bolstering global food security and mitigating the impacts of climate change. While genomics-assisted breeding has made significant strides in recent years, there remains a need to accelerate progress in this domain, aided by evolving genomic tools and technologies. The integration of genomics into crop improvement programmes promises to usher in a new era of crop enhancement, offering farmers a diverse range of improved varieties and addressing agricultural challenges more effectively. This chapter delves into the genetics and genomics of pulse crops in challenging terrains, shedding light on their adaptability, resilience, and untapped potential for transformation. Through cutting-edge research and innovative strategies, we explore how pulse crop cultivation in mountainous regions can be revolutionized, making significant strides towards a more food-secure and sustainable future.