Minor Millets Research Articles

Comparative study of physico-chemical composition, functional, morphological and pasting properties of major and minor millet flours as a gluten free alternative to wheat flour

The present study compares the major (finger, sorghum, pearl) and minor millet flours (barnyard, foxtail, kodo, little, proso) with wheat flour for their nutritional (proximate, mineral and polyphenolic content), antinutritional, functional, morphological, and pasting properties. The millet flours protein content varied from 13.71 to 6.39 g/100 g, followed by ash content varied from 2 to 1.02 %, lipid varied from 1.62 to 5.68 %, carbohydrate 67.78–73.70 %, crude fibre 0.92–4.77 g/100 g and moisture 9.45–12.69 % as compared to the wheat flour having 12.07 g/100 g, 1.22 %, 1.67 %, 71.89 %, 2.26 g/100 g and 10.89%, respectively was determined using official protocols of AOAC (Association of official analytical chemists). Calcium was found to be significantly higher in finger millet flour 87.02mg/100 g. Atomic spectrometer, rapid-visco analyser (RVA), fourier transform infra- red spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was used to measure minerals, pasting, functional, morphological and thermal properties respectively. The raw millet flours showed good pasting properties as in barnyard millet flour with 1216 cp peak viscosity and pearl millet flour having 88.05 °C pasting temperature which is approximately similar to the wheat flour used as control. The highest total phenolic content was found to be in finger millet flour i.e. 1318.12 mgGAE/100 g. The antinutritional factors namely tannin and phytic acid was lowest found to be in foxtail millet flour 8.03mg/100 g and 0.37mol g-1. Functional properties such as water holding capacity was found to be good in finger millet flour (3.12 g g-1) and oil holding capacity was good in kodo millet flour (2.50 g g-1), the foaming capacity was good in barnyard (4.11 %) whereas dispersibility was good in little millet flour (85.02 g/ml) compared to wheat flour. The FTIR revealed the presence of amide group and the presence of starch protein complex. The thermal analysis showed the presence of higher amounts of proteins and lipids in the minor millet flours. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were also determined in most of the values of the millet flours. This present work on comparative study would contribute to reduce risk of over-reliance on staple gluten containing cereals, and to formulate and optimize healthy food products of different preferences from the above-mentioned gluten free nutritive flour in combinations or as alone.

Transcriptomic response of minor millets to abiotic stresses

Transcriptomic response of minor millets to abiotic stresses

Biotechnological studies towards improvement of finger millet using multi-omics approaches.

A plethora of studies have uncovered numerous important genes with agricultural significance in staple crops. However, when it comes to orphan crops like minor millet, genomic research lags significantly behind that of major crops. This situation has promoted a focus on exploring research opportunities in minor millets, particularly in finger millet, using cutting-edge methods. Finger millet, a coarse cereal known for its exceptional nutritional content and ability to withstand environmental stresses represents a promising climate-smart and nutritional crop in the battle against escalating environmental challenges. The existing traditional improvement programs for finger millet are insufficient to address global hunger effectively. The lack of utilization of high-throughput platforms, genome editing, haplotype breeding, and advanced breeding approaches hinders the systematic multi-omics studies on finger millet, which are essential for pinpointing crucial genes related to agronomically important and various stress responses. The growing environmental uncertainties have widened the gap between the anticipated and real progress in crop improvement. To overcome these challenges a combination of cutting-edge multi-omics techniques such as high-throughput sequencing, speed breeding, mutational breeding, haplotype-based breeding, genomic selection, high-throughput phenotyping, pangenomics, genome editing, and more along with integration of deep learning and artificial intelligence technologies are essential to accelerate research efforts in finger millet. The scarcity of multi-omics approaches in finger millet leaves breeders with limited modern tools for crop enhancement. Therefore, leveraging datasets from previous studies could prove effective in implementing the necessary multi-omics interventions to enrich the genetic resource in finger millet.

A comprehensive review of constraints and suggestions in minor millet production and marketing

A comprehensive review of constraints and suggestions in minor millet production and marketing

Effect of Nixtamalization on the Physical Functional and Nutritional Properties of Foxtail Millet Flour

Aims: To investigate the physico-functional and nutritional properties of nixtamalized foxtail millet and compare them with non-nixtamalized millet. Nixtamalization is an ancient processing technique involving the soaking and cooking of grains in an alkaline solution, typically lime water. This process enhances the nutritional profile, flavor, and functional properties of grains, making them more suitable for various culinary applications. Minor millets possess immense nutritional value, comparable to that of wheat, rice, and maize. Study Design: Experimental design. Place and Duration of Study: Foxtail millet grain and maize grain were procured from Millet Processing and Incubation Centre (MPIC) PJTSAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad and food grade calcium hydroxide chemical was purchased from local market in Hyderabad. This study was concluded during 2023. Methodology: Maize grain and foxtail millet were nixtamalized and analyzed for physical parameters viz. thousand kernel weight, thousand kernel volume and bulk density. Functional properties of nixtamalized grains such as swelling power, swelling capacity water solubility index, water holding capacity, oil absorption capacity; water absorption capacity and oil retention capacity and nutritional properties like moisture, fat, ash, crude fibre, carbohydrates, protein, energy. Results: It was found that physical parameters viz. thousand kernel weight, thousand kernel volume and bulk density decreased in nixtamalized maize and foxtail grains. Functional properties of nixtamalized maize and foxtail flours such as swelling power, water solubility index, water holding capacity oil absorption capacity; water absorption capacity and oil retention capacity also increased significantly (p≤0.05) and swelling capacity significantly decreased in nixtamalized maize and foxtail flours. Significant increase (p≤0.05) in moisture NM (34.31%) NF3 (27.51%), ash content NM (49.61%) NF3 (2.37%), carbohydrate content (2.35%) NF3 (2.10%) and fat content NM (35.85%) NF3 (26.30%), crude fibre NM (26. 35%) NF3 (29.22%), energy NM, (3.2%), NF3 (3.56%) in nixtamalized grains was observed while protein value of nixtamalized grains were significantly lower NM (11.76%) NF3 (6.50%) compared to untreated grains.

Minor Millets: Miracle Grain of South India

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.

Bioactive Lipids and Nutri-Lipidomics of Minor Millets - A Novel Finding

Bioactive Lipids and Nutri-Lipidomics of Minor Millets - A Novel Finding

Drought resistance strategies in minor millets: a review.

The review discusses growth and drought-response mechanisms in minor millets under three themes: drought escape, drought avoidance and drought tolerance. Drought is one of the most prominent abiotic stresses impacting plant growth, performance, and productivity. In the context of climate change, the prevalence and severity of drought is expected to increase in many agricultural regions worldwide. Millets (coarse grains) are a group of small-seeded grasses cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions throughout the world and are an important source of food and feed for humans and livestock. Although minor millets, i.e., foxtail millet, finger millet, proso millet, barnyard millet, kodo millet and little millet are generally hardier and more drought-resistant than cereals and major millets (sorghum and pearl millet), understanding their responses, processes and strategies in response to drought is more limited. Here, we review drought resistance strategies in minor millets under three themes: drought escape (e.g., short crop cycle, short vegetative period, developmental plasticity and remobilization of assimilates), drought avoidance (e.g., root traits for better water absorption and leaf traits to control water loss), and drought tolerance (e.g., osmotic adjustment, maintenance of photosynthetic ability and antioxidant potential). Data from 'omics' studies are summarized to provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms important in drought tolerance. In addition, the final section highlights knowledge gaps and challenges to improving minor millets. This review is intended to enhance major cereals and millet per se in light of climate-related increases in aridity.

EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH MILLET ENTREPRENEURSHIP: CULTIVATING SUCCESS AND SUSTAINABILITY

The value addition of millets presents significant opportunities for elevating the economic status and livelihoods of rural women not only for increased income, but also for enhancing national productivity, creating employment, and fostering economic independence, personal growth, and social upliftment. Major millets, minor millets, and little millets constitute distinct types within the millet family. In India, minor and little millets are classified as coarse cereals. Women SHGs in Odisha have been directly involved in the marketing of millets and millet-based products since 2021.This report seeks to investigate the extent to which women active in millet marketing are empowered. The study is for doing a qualitative analysis of the respondents' abilities to promote the product and focus on drawing useful conclusions on how they are being empowered. The sample for the study would involve one woman from each Self Help Group (SHG) and 5 to 6 SHGs would be taken for the collection of data. This study understands the processes involved in marketing of millets and throws light on how women empowerment is possible through it.

Kodo millet: Technological impact and nutritional benefits for value‐addition in food products

AbstractMillets are small‐seeded annual crops grown as cereal grains. They are known for their nutritional benefits and their role in preventing health problems. These grains are classified into major and minor millets. Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum), one of the minor millets, originated from Africa as a drought‐resistant crop and was domesticated in India in 3000 BC. It is grown in various states of India and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The Kodo seed is rich in phytochemical compounds and dietary fibers with remarkable storage properties. It can be stored for extended periods under normal storage conditions and is found as a famine crop, which means it can be used as an alternative to major cereals. Kodo millet is a rich source of phenolic compounds known for their antioxidant properties. It also contains antinutritional factors that can limit its use, but these can be reduced by proper processing methods to enhance its food applications. Different traditional methods, such as milling, decortication, roasting, germination, and fermentation, along with novel techniques such as microwave, cold plasma and ultrasound treatment significantly impact the value addition of Kodo millet and the development of various food products. Therefore, this review provides valuable information on the nutritional profile, processing methods, and food applications of Kodo millet.

Adoption of production technologies by minor millets growers in central dry zone of Karnataka

Adoption of production technologies by minor millets growers in central dry zone of Karnataka

Harnessing the Transcriptomic Resources of Millets to Decipher Climate Resilience and Nutrient Enrichment Traits

Rich nutrients, climate resilience, and the economic importance of millets are believed to ensure food security for future generations. Millets have the habit of growing against abiotic stresses (particularly drought stress). Millets show much better climate resilience and nutrient supplementation properties compared to other major cereals. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of genes that respond to stresses and nutrient transport will help understand the tolerance mechanism and improve against both stresses. Genome sequences are currently available for two major (sorghum and pearl millet) and eight minor millets (foxtail millet, finger millet, kodo millet, barnyard millet, proso millet, job’s tear, fonio millet, and tef). Five minor millets (little millet, kodo millet, brown top millet, guinea millet, and raishan) do not have genome sequences to date. Transcriptome studies help to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), mine genes induced in a particular stress and develop several molecular markers for all plants, including millets. Some millets have reports on transcriptome datasets for plants exposed to various biotic and abiotic stresses and for nutritional traits. Unfortunately, the transcriptome datasets of millets have not been adequately leveraged to explore genes associated with traits such as climate resilience, nutrient enrichment, and crop improvement. This underutilization stems from a lack of high-resolution studies and limited exploration within the field. As a result, the potential insights and genetic understanding offered by these datasets remain largely untapped. Through this review, we plan to elucidate the current status of transcriptome resources on millets and draw future insights on the utilization of these resources. This review will motivate researchers to utilize the available transcriptome resources for millet improvement.

A comprehensive analysis on nutritional composition, functional properties, antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory potential of selected minor millet grains

Minor millets regarded as storehouse of proteins, dietary fibres, minerals, vitamins, fatty acids and phytochemicals have nutrigenomic role in human health. Determination of such components is an essential approach to choose highly efficient millet grains. Hence, this study has estimated and compared the mineral composition, proximates, functional properties, phytochemical and in vitro pharmacological properties of the seed grains of Setaria italica (Foxtail millet), Echinochloa frumentacea (Barnyard millet), Paspalum scrobiculatum (Kodo millet), and Panicum sumatrense (Little millet) cultivated in Kolli hills of Tamil Nadu, India. Mineral analysis revealed the presence of calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. Occurrence of high content of protein, carbohydrate and vitamin E were also ascertained. The proximate composition (moisture, ash, crude lipid, and crude fibre) and functional features (water and oil absorbing capacity, bulk density, foaming and emulsifying property) of these millet flours have demonstrated their potential in food product formulation, particularly weaning foods. Total phenolic content was ranged between 53.28±0.71 and 110.42 ± 1.42 mg GAE g−1 of dried extract; and total flavonoid content was in the range of 23.80±1.09 to 65.1 ± 1.23 mg QE g−1 of dried extract in the studied millets. Significant free radical scavenging and enzyme inhibition activity was observed in P. sumatrense (IC50 of 128.92±1.18 µg mL−1 in DPPH assay), E. frumentacea (IC50 of 120.89±1.46 µg mL−1 in ABTS assay and 126.52±0.78 µg mL−1 in tyrosinase inhibition assay), S. italica (IC50 of 119.94±1.40 µg mL−1 in SO radical scavenging assay) and P. scrobiculatum (IC50 of 101.59±1.27 µg mL−1 in α-amylase enzyme inhibition assay and 94.63±0.78 µg mL−1 in α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition assay). The findings highlight the nutraceutical ability of these minor millets which can be employed as a valuable ingredient in food product preparation.

Minor millets: An underutilized grains to ensure food security

Minor millets: An underutilized grains to ensure food security

A REVIEW ON MILLET: A WONDER GRAIN OF NUTRITIONAL IMPORTANCE

Millets are underutilized minor cereal crops belonging to the Poaceae family. These small seeded, nutrient dense grains aredrought resistant, glutenfree and non-acid forming. They fall into two major categories, namely, the major millets, and the minor millets. Pearl millet and sorghum are classified as major millets. The minor millet category comprises foxtail millet, proso millet, finger millet, kodo millet, barnyard millet and little millet.They are rich source of phytochemicals with medicinal properties in the form of antioxidant activities, which help lower many health diseases.They have a low glycemic index, high fibre content, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). It is a splendid source of essential nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, vitamins, and also some other bioactive compounds that eventually help through multiple biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-cholesterol, anti-hypertensive, anthropometric effects and regulation of gut microbiota composition.In addition to staple food crops, such as wheat and rice millets are highly nutritious and beneficial and have great potential to help the world combat the food insecurity many countries face today.The current review is to collect the available information from existing literature related to the nutritional importance and health-benefiting properties of millet and trying to present the collected data in an easily-documented pattern.

Role of Genome Sequences of Major and Minor Millets in Strengthening Food and Nutritional Security for Future Generations

Millets are small-seeded cereals belonging to the family Poaceae. They are considered to be climate-resilient and future nutritional food cereals for humans. Millets are resistant to biotic and abiotic stressors compared to other major cereals and thrive in low-quality soils with little maintenance and less rainfall. The importance of millets is still not well known to many people due to the lack of popularity and cultivation in semi-arid tropics of Asia and Africa. The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) to promote millet cultivation and popularize their health benefits globally. A few years ago, the application of molecular biology was in its infancy in millets due to the unavailability of genome sequences. Genome sequences are available for most of the millets on NCBI and Phytozome databases. In this review, we discuss the details of genome sequences for millets, candidate genes identified from the native genome of millets. The current status of quantitative trait loci and genome-wide association studies in millets are also discussed. The utilization of millet genome sequences in functional genomics research and translating the information for crop improvement will help millet and non-millet cereals survive harsh environments in the future. Such efforts will help strengthen food security and reduce malnutrition worldwide in 2050.

Trend Analysis of the Changing Landscape in the Area and Production of Millet Cultivation in India: A Review

Millets, the earliest domesticated grains since the Indus Valley Civilization (3000 B.C.), are renowned as “Hardy Cereals” for their drought resilience and minimal irrigation requirements. Millets are nutritionally rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. As per the 2016-17 report of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, India, the area under the cultivation of millets in India has reduced by 60% (14.72 million hectares). Despite the manifold benefits associated with millet cultivation, farmers face significant challenges, primarily stemming from the inadequate infrastructure required for processing, lack of extension services and marketing millets. The government is making efforts to increase millets production through various promotional campaigns such as the National Millets Year and International Millets Year. In this article we have attempted to illustrate the millet scenario in world and in India with the analysis of the trends in area, production and productivity of the major and the minor millets of the country.

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

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 initiative. This review highlights the progress made in the genetic improvement of both major (sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet) and minor millets (foxtail, proso, kodo, barnyard, little and browntop millets). Additionally, pseudo-cereals like buckwheat and amaranth are included. The areas of future research have also been indicated for urgent attention and immediate action to make millets and pseudo-cereals a household food ensuring food and nutrition security and climate resilient agriculture in India.

Nutri-cereal tissue-specific transcriptome atlas during development: Functional integration of gene expression to identify mineral uptake pathways in little millet (Panicum sumatrense).

Little millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth ex Roem. & Schult.) is an essential minor millet of southeast Asia and Africa's temperate and subtropical regions. The plant is stress-tolerant, has a short life cycle, and has a mineral-rich nutritional profile associated with unique health benefits. We report the developmental gene expression atlas of little millet (genotype JK-8) from ten tissues representing different stages of its life cycle, starting from seed germination and vegetative growth to panicle maturation. The developmental transcriptome atlas led to the identification of 342 827 transcripts. The BUSCO analysis and comparison with the transcriptomes of related species confirm that this study presents high-quality, in-depth coverage of the little millet transcriptome. In addition, the eFP browser generated here has a user-friendly interface, allowing interactive visualizations of tissue-specific gene expression. Using these data, we identified transcripts, the orthologs of which in Arabidopsis and rice are involved in nutrient acquisition, transport, and response pathways. The comparative analysis of the expression levels of these transcripts holds great potential for enhancing the mineral content in crops, particularly zinc and iron, to address the issue of "hidden hunger" and to attain nutritional security, making it a valuable asset for translational research.

Neglected Millets, Crop Diversity and Nutritional Security: Paradox of Millets in India

Crop diversity, millet crops and their erosion are matters of rising concern. Millets are known in several ways to various stakeholders. Some people consider millets as climate-resilient, climate-smart, eco-friendly, contingency and future crops; as nutri-cereals, nutraceuticals, smart and future foods. For some people, millets are ‘neglected millets’, ‘underutilized millets’, neglected and under-utilized crops/species; they are often undervalued as ‘minor millets’, minor crops and coarse grains. For some other, millets are stigmatized as ‘marginalized grains’, ‘marginalized millets’, ‘marginalized crops’ and crops for the poor. At the empirical dimension, on one hand, the traditional producers and consumers of millets from tribal and rural areas are losing and lacking interest in such cultivation and consumption. On the other hand, there is a reinvention of tradition, as nutritional values and health benefits of millets are realized by the urbanites and educated sections. Thus, I see a paradox of millets. Therefore, the present article studies the status of traditional and ‘neglected’ millets and also the trends of their cultivation and consumption. It identifies the opportunities, constraints and challenges for millets use for achieving sustainable food security and nutritional security and towards the Sustainable Development Goal 2.