Recent progress in mungbean breeding and its role in strengthening agricultural extension and livelihoods in India

Abstract

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.), a vital pulse crop in India, supports food security and sustainable agriculture with its high protein content (22-24%) and nitrogen-fixing ability. Despite its importance, yields remain low (450 kg/ha) due to biotic stresses, abiotic stresses, and limited adoption of improved varieties. This review synthesizes mungbean breeding advancements from 2012 to 2025, focusing on conventional, mutation, molecular, and interspecific hybridization strategies, and their implications for agricultural extension and social development. High-yielding varieties like SML 668 and molecular tools like marker-assisted selection (MAS) have enhanced Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus resistance and yield by 15-20%. Extension challenges, including weak seed systems and low farmer awareness, limit adoption, particularly among smallholders. Socio-economic benefits include increased incomes (INR 40,000/ha) and women’s empowerment through mungbean’s short growth cycle. Drawing on literature from 2012 to 2025, this study highlights mungbean’s role in sustainable agriculture and rural development, offering strategies to bridge breeding innovations with farmer adoption for food security in India.