Unraveling the Constraint of Lentil Productivity through Improved Agronomic Management for Sustainable Production in Ethiopia: A review

Abstract

Lentil is the most vital grain legume crop in Ethiopia and ranking first in consumers’ preference. It is primarily cultivated in the central highlands of  Ethiopia during the main cropping system, with little care and management. There are significant limitations on the growth and production of lentil,  which include lack of sufficient information, inherent lower output capacities of the local crops as well as unpredictable output due to various biotic  and abiotic factors. As a result, researchers and farmers are facing a significant challenge in increasing lentil production to meet the national  demand. Therefore, more focus needs to be paid to develop and encourage low-cost lentil production. Improved crop management practices,  integrated soil fertility, and integrated pest, management, etc., that are not only increase productivity and profitability, but also ensure  environmental and social sustainability besides nutritional security , are among the most potential technologies of lentil production. Thus, this  review paper provides a critical assessment of the contribution of various improved agronomic practices to improve lentil productivity on one hand,  while also highlighting future research priorities on the other, with the prime objective of ensuring lentil production in Ethiopia.