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Plant Science Today (PST)

Review Articles

Vol. 13 No. sp2 (2026): Recent Advances in Agriculture

Climate-smart agronomic practices in millet systems: A review of productivity, adaptation and resource-use efficiency

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.15076
Submitted
18 April 2026
Published
30-06-2026

Abstract

Millet-based farming systems are central to food and livelihood security in semi-arid regions facing increasing climate variability. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has gained prominence as a strategic approach to enhance productivity, strengthen adaptive capacity and improve environmental sustainability in these systems. This review synthesises evidence from 80 peer-reviewed studies (2015–25), including 58 works cited directly to support key findings. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, supported by bibliometric and thematic analyses. The findings show that CSA interventions particularly soil-water conservation, nutrient management, improved varieties and crop diversification consistently enhance yield stability, water-use efficiency and drought resilience. Integrated CSA approaches demonstrate more robust and consistent outcomes than single interventions. Nonetheless, mitigation effects remain insufficiently quantified across the literature. Adoption of CSA practices is shaped by access to inputs, extension services, market linkages and institutional support, which continue to constrain large-scale implementation. The results indicate that while agronomic technologies are effective, their broader impact is limited by systemic barriers related to institutions and value chains. The study underscores the need for integrated strategies that combine technological, institutional and market interventions to improve the sustainability and scalability of millet-based CSA systems. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive synthesis of existing evidence and identifies key research and policy priorities for advancing climate-resilient millet agriculture.

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