Harnessing Breeding and Genomic Advances for Nutritional and Climate-Resilient Minor Millets

Abstract

The looming challenge of feeding 9.8 billion people by 2050 requires a 60-70% increase in global food production. Additionally, about 2 billion people worldwide currently suffer from hidden hunger due to micronutrient deficiencies. Minor millets offer a promising solution to these challenges, combining exceptional nutritional value with remarkable climate resilience. These nutrient-rich crops demonstrate impressive adaptability to diverse ecological conditions and require minimal water resources. For instance, finger millet contains exceptionally high calcium levels exceeding 350 mg per 100g and significant iron content ranging from 9.3 to 18.6 mg per 100g. Importantly, the development of improved minor millet varieties through breeding and genomic approaches has become crucial for enhancing their productivity and nutritional quality. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing technologies have significantly reduced the time and cost of genomic studies, opening new possibilities for crop improvement. This article explores the evolution of minor millet breeding programs, from traditional methods to cutting-edge genomic technologies, highlighting the significant advances that are reshaping their improvement strategies.