Minor Millets: Miracle Grain of South India

Abstract

Minor millets are important traditional food crops for dry land farmers in India. India has the third largest area under minor millets cultivation in the world. Minor millets such as finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, kodo millet, little millet and barnyard millet are considered as a climate-smart crop. Since these crops are widely divergent for thermo and photoperiods and hence these are known for their climatic resilience and are relatively less prone to biotic stress factors. Added these crops are rich in protein, fat, crude fiber, iron and other minerals and vitamins with low glycemic index in comparison to cereals like wheat and rice.  Hence they are labelled as nutri- cereals and act as the source of food, feed and fodder. Minor millets have curative and nutrient - rich properties in the form of antioxidants which prevent weakening of human health such as lowering blood pressure, risk of heart disease, obesity, prevention of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes etc. Owing to its health benefits, the minor millets output has increased recently due to the availability of high-yielding varieties, pest and disease - resistant varieties, and improved cultivation techniques, rising by 1.05 percent annually. This review aims to document the production status, demand, varietal diversity, current consumption pattern, processing, nutrient composition and therapeutic potential of minor millets for further research on various aspects.