Granular agricultural products constitute a staple food source for over 70% global population, are recognized as a core component within the food processing chain, and are accorded significant economic importance in international trade. Inadequate desiccation during harvest seasons is associated with the facilitation of mold proliferation, induction of germination processes, and acceleration of product deterioration. These outcomes are manifested through compromised food security and incurred economic losses. Nevertheless, the porous structural characteristics inherent to granular crops, combined with the stress fission challenges encountered during dehydration processes, render alternative methods such as solarization and hot air drying frequently inadequate for meeting crop-specific drying requirements. In this study, the implementation and relative merits of microwave and infrared drying technologies for granular crops have been systematically examined. Subsequently, the enhanced drying efficiency and quality parameters achieved through microwave-hot air, infrared-hot air, and infrared-microwave hybrid drying systems are quantitatively demonstrated in comparison with conventional single-mode drying approaches. A comprehensive synthesis is presented regarding experimental findings and research priorities associated with microwave-vacuum, far-infrared vacuum, and fluidized bed drying applications. The developmental potential of emerging desiccation technologies-including radio frequency, ohmic, and heat pump-based systems-was critically evaluated through the comparative analysis of dehydration kinetics, energy efficiency metrics, and product quality indices. A theoretical framework was established for optimizing the novel drying equipment and operational parameters. This systematic investigation contributes substantively to the realization of energy-efficient, low-carbon, and quality-preserving drying objectives, thereby providing crucial technical support for global food security initiatives and sustainable agricultural practices.