Vol. 10, Issue 5 (2021)

Author(s):
Anjali Eduru, Ankush Kamboj, P Manisha Reddy, Basudev Pal and Vikas

Abstract:
Millets are ancient crops being cultivated since ages especially in Asia and Africa which are major millet growing regions to the date. Millets are reservoir of essential amino acids, minerals, vitamins, organic compounds, carbohydrates and are superior to most other staple cereals as far as nutritional value is concerned. They have a strong nutritional profile with a variety of health benefits i.e. anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, antioxidative and antimicrobial properties which can prevent a number of deadly diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Millets are non acid forming, easily digestible and non allergenic. World population is increasing at an alarming rate while a significant portion of global population is already suffering from hunger and malnutrition. Climate change is worsening the situation by endangering the food security. Millets are capable of growing in drought hit, high temperature areas without compromising yield. They fulfils every criteria to be considered as most important crops in maintaining food security as they are least likely to be affected by climate change owing to their inherent genetic potential. There is a tremendous scope in millet production which demand a further exploration in uncapping this huge reserved potential. Thus this article discusses the emerging importance of millets with respect to nutrition, health, food security and processing industry.