Beans with Benefits—The Role of Mungbean (<i>Vigna radiate</i>) in a Changing Environment

Abstract

Dryland areas are experiencing low agricultural yields due to severe water shortages and salinity, leading to food scarcity. Mungbean (Vigna radiate) is gaining attention as a short-season crop that can tolerate dryland conditions, and fix atmospheric nitrogen, decreasing soil nutrient depletion. It is a source of high-quality protein for human consumption and can serve as a multipurpose crop, if harvest residues are used as fodder or green manure. However, little of this legume’s potential has been explored. This review aims to underline the importance of mungbean as an agricultural crop by reviewing relevant literature on the potential contribution of mungbean to food security and a balanced diet as well as the effect of mungbean cultivation on farm income and gender equality. The challenges of climate change in plant production are discussed, and how progress in mungbean breeding and the application of improved cultivation techniques, such as regulated deficit irrigation, conservation agriculture, and inoculation with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria can overcome them.