Millets and pseudocereals: A treasure for climate resilient agriculture ensuring food and nutrition security Nagaraja T. E.*, Parveen S. Gazala, Aruna C.1, Hariprasanna K.1, Singh S. P.2, Singh Anurudh K.3, Joshi D. C.4, Joshi Priyanka4,7, Tomar S. M. S.2,6, Talukdar Akshay2, Kumar Sanjay5 ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project (Small Millets), Project Co-ordinating Unit, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore, 560 065, India 1ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, 500 003, India 2Division of Genetics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110 012, India 3409A, Hamilton Court, DLF Phase IV, Gurugram, 122 009, Haryana, India 4Division of Crop Improvement, ICAR-Vivekanand Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora, 263 601, Uttrakhand, India 5ICAR-Indian Institute of Seed Research, Mau, 275 101, Uttar Pradesh, India 6Present address: D-11/119 Sector 8, Rohini, New Delhi, 110 085 7Plant and Environment Sciences, Clemson University, South Carolina, 29634, USA *Corresponding Author: T. E. Nagaraja, ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project (Small Millets), Project Co-ordinating Unit, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore, 560 065, India, E-Mail: tenagaraja@gmail.com
Online Published on 14 August, 2024. Abstract Once, a staple food for civilizations and a popular feed for centuries, millets are a treasure trove of micronutrients and essential amino acids. Despite being side-lined during the Green Revolution, these small-seeded powerhouses are perfectly adapted to harsh dryland conditions such as low rainfall, drought, and high temperatures. The millets require minimal maintenance and thrive under stress, showcasing their rich genetic diversity and adaptability. However, boosting genetic gain and developing high-yielding varieties remains a challenge due to restricted research, limited genomic tools, poor market demand and accessibility to germplasm. As our climate and cropping systems are changing, millets offer a promising solution for diversification and adaptation. Beyond their impressive nutrition, they possess therapeutic benefits, making them valuable for medicinal purposes. However, the cultivation of millets, especially the minor millets, has declined due to their underutilization in daily diets. Genetic improvement and application of modern technologies are needed to increase production and integrate these millets as alternative food sources in Indian cuisine. Fortunately, growing awareness of their nutritional value, health benefits, and industrial uses is fuelling a revival. Recognizing their potential, national and international organizations are working to restore millet cultivation. The United Nations even declared 2023 as the “International Year of Millets" at Indian initiative. This review highlights the progress made in the genetic improvement of both major (sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet) and minor millets (foxtail, proso, kodo, barnyard, little and browntop millets). Additionally, pseudo-cereals like buckwheat and amaranth are included. The areas of future research have also been indicated for urgent attention and immediate action to make millets and pseudo-cereals a household food ensuring food and nutrition security and climate resilient agriculture in India. Top Keywords Millets, Alternative food, Micronutrient, Environmental stress, Genetic improvement. Top |