Millets as an Ancient Grains for Modern Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture
Bishnu Deo Singh *
Extension Education, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Munger, Bihar, India.
G J Abhishek
Division of Plant Genetic Resources, IARI, New Delhi, India.
Priya P.
Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Hanumanamatti Ranebennur (tq), Haveri (dist.), University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka, India.
Sunil Kumar
Veer Kunwar Singh College of Agriculture, Dumraon, India.
Shital Pravin Shinde
Shri Vaishnav Institute of Agriculture, Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwavidyalaya Indore, M.P., India.
Sanjay Kumar
MBAC, Agwanpur, Saharsa (BAU, Sabour), India.
Shanti Bhushan
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Veer Kunwar Singh College of Agriculture, (BAU, SABOUR), Dumraon-802136, Buxar, Bihar, India.
Madhumita Behera
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan, Deemed to be University , Bhubaneswar – 751029, Odisha, India.
Madhuri Vajha
Krishna University, Machilipatnam, India.
Amit Kumar Pandey
Mandan Bharti Agriculture College, Agwanpur, Saharsa, Bihar, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Millets, a group of small-seeded grasses, represent a diverse set of cereal crops that have been cultivated for millennia. They offer numerous nutritional, environmental, and economic benefits, yet they remain underutilized in many parts of the world. This paper explores the potential of millets as a key component of efforts to ensure food security in the face of climate change, population growth, and environmental degradation. Millets are highly resilient to drought, pests, and diseases, making them well-suited to marginal growing conditions. Additionally, they boast nutritional profiles rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, addressing malnutrition and diet-related health issues. Furthermore, millet cultivation promotes biodiversity, reduces water consumption, and enhances soil fertility, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. Despite their advantages, millets face challenges such as limited awareness, lack of infrastructure, and policy neglect. Thus, concerted efforts are needed to promote research, improve market access, and raise consumer awareness to unlock the full potential of millets in ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agriculture globally.
Keywords: Millets, food security, grains, nutrition