Sustainable Pearl Millet Cultivation: Choices in a Changing Climate

Abstract

Unprecedented changes are occurring to the Earth's climate, with temperatures rising quickly, precipitation patterns changing, and the frequency of extreme weather events rising. These dynamic shifts are having a significant and wide-ranging effect on agro-ecosystems. Among different food crops, pearl millet proves climate resilience with a deep root system, efficient photosynthesis, and drought tolerance, while early maturity lessens vulnerability to extreme weather and the C₄ photosynthetic pathway enhances CO₂ fixation and water use. This paper thoroughly explores the unique characteristics of pearl millet that enable it to flourish in harsh conditions. It discusses the impact of climate change on pearl millet and its assessment using crop modeling techniques and proposes robust strategies to enhance its resilience in the face of climatic challenges. These strategies encompass elevating resource use efficiencies such as water use efficiency (WUE), nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), carbon sequestration potential, radiation use efficiency (RUE), and more. Additionally, the paper explores innovative production approaches tailored for changing climates, including adjustments in planting windows, precise fertilizer application, optimal inter and intra-row spacing, efficient irrigation management, etc. To achieve a fair and sustainable global food system that benefits the world's most vulnerable populations, it is important to recognize that pearl millet is a crop that can withstand the challenges of changing climates.