Millets and pseudocereals: A treasure for climate resilient agriculture ensuring food and nutrition security

作者：T. E. Nagaraja, Saima Parveen, C. Aruna, K. Hariprasanna, S. P. Singh, Anurudh Kumar Singh, Divya Joshi, Priyanka Joshi, S. M. S. Tomar, Akshay Talukdar, Sanjay Kumar · 发表于：Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding (The) · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.31742/isgpb.84.1.1 · 被引用次数：21 · 研究领域：Seed and Plant Biochemistry、GABA and Rice Research、Rice Cultivation and Yield Improvement

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 i...