Legumes, characterized by their unique flower structure, podded fruit, and ability to form nodules with rhizobia, are crucial to human nutrition and agriculture. They contribute significantly to grain, pasture, and agroforestry systems, with a wide range of species used for food, forage, and soil improvement. Legumes provide essential dietary protein and are used in various industrial and medicinal applications. However, their yields have not kept pace with those of cereals, particularly in developing countries, due to environmental constraints such as drought, soil degradation, and nutrient depletion. Research efforts are focused on improving drought and salinity tolerance, nutrient management, and disease resistance to enhance legume productivity. The symbiotic nitrogen fixation ability of legumes is vital for sustainable agriculture, but it is influenced by factors like soil pH, phosphorus availability, and water stress. Effective management of these constraints and the integration of genomics and bioinformatics into breeding programs are essential for future legume utilization.Legumes, characterized by their unique flower structure, podded fruit, and ability to form nodules with rhizobia, are crucial to human nutrition and agriculture. They contribute significantly to grain, pasture, and agroforestry systems, with a wide range of species used for food, forage, and soil improvement. Legumes provide essential dietary protein and are used in various industrial and medicinal applications. However, their yields have not kept pace with those of cereals, particularly in developing countries, due to environmental constraints such as drought, soil degradation, and nutrient depletion. Research efforts are focused on improving drought and salinity tolerance, nutrient management, and disease resistance to enhance legume productivity. The symbiotic nitrogen fixation ability of legumes is vital for sustainable agriculture, but it is influenced by factors like soil pH, phosphorus availability, and water stress. Effective management of these constraints and the integration of genomics and bioinformatics into breeding programs are essential for future legume utilization.