Pearl Millet Research Articles (Page 1)

Purpose Millets are increasingly becoming popular in Indian households due to their nutritional attributes and health benefits. They are valued for their role in prevention and management of diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Determining the satiety index of millet-based recipes might help incorporating them into the routine meals. This study aims to measure the satiety index of selected traditional South Indian millet-based recipes and understand the influence of processing techniques on the satiety index. Design/methodology/approach Randomized crossover trial was conducted among ten female participants aged between 19 and 21 years. The participants were provided with reference and three test recipes (puttu, dosa and malt) made of three millets (finger millet, pearl millet and barnyard millet). They rated their fullness scores using visual analogue scale (VAS). Palatability of the recipes, nutrient intakes pre and post the ingestion of test foods were also examined. Findings Pearl millet-based recipes exhibited higher satiety indices compared to other millets, with pearl millet malt showing the highest at 133.2 ± 8.3. Among the millets, malts had higher fullness scores than puttu and dosa. Post ingestion of pearl millet malt and puttu, the calorie and carbohydrate intakes of the participants were significantly lower than other millet recipes (p < 0.05). Puttu, dosa and malt prepared from pearl millet had higher palatability than the rest of the millets (p < 0.05). Originality/value Incorporation of pearl millet (in part/whole) in the traditional preparations is potentially a healthier alternative than refined cereals for management of NCDs.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the soil fertility status of teaching and research farm of Federal Polytechnic Monguno (12°40'N, 13°36'E, 354m above sea level), for Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br,) Production. A systematic grid sampling approach was used to collect composite soil samples from the study site during the 2025 dry season. Samples were analyzed at the Soil Chemistry Laboratory of the Department of Soil Sciences, University of Maiduguri for physico-chemical properties using standard laboratory procedures. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics using STATISTIX 10.0 analytical software. Relationships between soil properties were determined using Pearson correlation analysis. Fertility parameters were interpreted according to critical levels for millet production in semi-arid tropical regions. Results shows that the soil was sandy loam, with neutral pH (6.67) and non-saline (EC = 0.22). Low concentration of available phosphorus (6.398) and total nitrogen (1.102 g/kg) were observed. Organic carbon (3.56 g/kg) likewise the organic matter (6.236 g/kg) were extremely low. The C:N ratio (3.244) and sodium ion concentration (0.094 cmol(+)/kg Soil) were low, while calcium was moderate. Potassium was low (0.234 cmol(+)/kg Soil) while magnesium was very high. The soil had a moderate CEC and a very high PBS. Strong correlations exist between some essential nutrients and pH, EC, Na, Base saturation and percentage clay fractions. Nitrogen in the study area was observed to be inversely related with silt (r = -0.915). Phosphorus availability was largely determined by clay (r = 0.995), pH (r = 0.896), and EC (r = 0.999). A very strong negative correlation (r = -0.964) was observed between sand fraction and available P. The coefficient of variation (CV) values indicated moderate variability for most parameters. In conclusion, that the soil has the potential to support millet production, though, the evaluation showed that most of the essential nutrients needed for adequate millet production are low in concentration. It is therefore, recommended that, successful millet production at the study location will require integrated soil fertility management strategies that addresses multiple deficiencies while considering the soil's moderate nutrient retention capacity.

Millets are gaining renewed importance in India due to their nutritional richness and ability to thrive in adverse climatic environments. This study evaluates the export performance of three major millets: ragi (finger millet), bajra (pearl millet) and jowar (sorghum) using exports as a key indicator. Export data from 2014 to 2024 was analysed using two primary methods: the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), to assess year-on-year growth in export value and quantity and Markov chain analysis, to examine the evolution of trading relationships with importing countries. The findings indicate that bajra showed the most consistent progress in both export value and volume. Ragi experienced a slight decline in volume but a significant increase in value, likely due to higher unit prices or value-added product exports. Jowar, despite having the lowest volume, recorded the highest increase in export value, reflecting emerging but uncertain demand. The most stable importing countries were identified as Saudi Arabia, Nepal and Libya. Overall, the results suggest that India has strong potential to enhance millet exports by expanding value-added offerings, entering new markets and strengthening trade relationships with key importers.

Cultivation of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L., family Cactaceae) is of high value in dry-land agriculture in Jordan. In May 2021, symptoms including thickening and severe stunting of the cladodes and deformation of fruits were observed on prickly pear plants cultivated in southern Jordan, Madaba region (31.593565 N, 35.850111 E), with a 15% incidence across three cactus fields. To verify the occurrence of a graft-transmissible disease, wedge grafting was performed on asymptomatic opuntia rootstocks, resulting in thickened cladodes and deformed fruits within five weeks. Samples of cladodes from naturally infected plants were collected from fourteen symptomatic and one asymptomatic plant. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) performed by using primer pair P1/P7 (Deng and Hiruki 1991; Schneider et al. 1995), followed by R16F2n/R16R2 (Gundersen and Lee 1996), amplified a fragment of the expected size only from the symptomatic samples. Direct amplicon sequencing followed by blast comparison to both, GenBank and EPPO-QBank databases (https://qbank.eppo.int/phytoplasmas/) allowed the identification of a ’Candidatus Phytoplasma australasiae=australasiaticum’ strain (GenBank accession no. PQ319761, designated strain ´Cact1´), with a 100% sequence identity to the reference strain (GenBank accession no. Y10097, ribosomal subgroup 16SrII-D) (White et al., 1998; Rodrigues et al., 2023). The phylogenetic analysis of strain ´Cact1´ with phytoplasma strains of ribosomal subgroups in group 16SrII and detected in cactus in China, Italy and Turkey showed that strain ´Cact1´ is not clustering with any of them (Figure 1). Indeed, comparison with all sequences in GenBank, show that the phytoplasma from Jordan clusters with those enclosed in the 16SrII group under the species ‘Ca. P. australasiae=australasiaticum’, showing about 99.00% identity to this phytoplasma and having an identity to ‘Ca. P. aurantifolia=citri’ of about 98.50%, that is below the accepted threshold for ‘Ca. Phytoplasma’ strains differentiation (Bertaccini et al. 2022). This identification was confirmed by amplifying and sequencing the leucyl transfer RNA synthetase (leuS) gene (Abeysinghe et al. 2016) (GenBank accession no. PQ349195), that showed 100% sequence identity with 100% coverage to the Parthenium hysterophorus phyllody phytoplasma strain ´PR08´ from India (GenBank accession no. CP097207), identified as a strain of ‘Ca. P. australasiae=australasiaticum’ (White et al., 1998; Rodrigues et al., 2023). Other phytoplasma strains having 100% identity on the leuS gene but with 95-96% coverage were reported in pearl millet, soybean and alfalfa from India (GenBank accession no. MW020555, MW020562 and MW020559 respectively). The leuS gene sequence has been relevant to confirm the identification of phytoplasmas infecting various agricultural important crops especially in Asian countries (Tiwari et al., 2023). It is thus necessary to investigate insect vector(s) presence and search for other economically important hosts and for alternative host weeds for this phytoplasma considering that the disease and the associated phytoplasmas are present and spreading in other regions of Jordan.

Effects of chemical and biological pretreatments on biobutanol production from Pennisetum purpureum × Pennisetum typhoideum by semi-simultaneous saccharification and fermentation

The organization of leaf mesophyll at 8 species of panicoid grasses with NADP-ME type C4 photosynthesis was studied using a light microscope on transverse and longitudinal sections. Plants of natural communities (Arundinella hirta, Spodiopogon sibiricus), weeds (Echinochloa crus-galli, Setaria viridis) and cultivated grasses (Echinochloa colonum subsp. edulis, Pennisetum americanum, Sorghum × drummondii, Zea mays) were distinguished. Anatomical studies were carried out in the middle part of the leaf blades and the upper third of the leaf sheaths located in the middle of the generative shoots. Among the mesophyll cells of the leaves, the cells of the crown sheath radially adjacent to the Kranz cells and the cells of the intercrown zone located between them were distinguished. It is shown that the mesophyll of the leaves of the considered grasses consists of cells of simple and complex cellular shapes. Cellular cells meet more often in the crown sheath compared to the intercrown zone. In leaf blades of grasses of natural cenoses, especially at Arundinella hirta, they are the most numerous, with a large number of well-defined sections. In weeds and cultivated grasses, the participation of cellular cells decreases; in their majority they consist of 2–4 sections and are often characterized as weakly cellular. In leaf sheaths the share of assimilative cells of simple form increases, most of all in weeds and cultivated grasses.

Genome editing tools harboring BBM1 and WUS2 morphoregulators overcome transformation challenges and facilitate a high-frequency editing in pearl millet.

The present investigation, entitled “Correlation and Path analysis in Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] for yield and yield attributing traits”, was carried out using thirty genotypes of pearl millet to determine the extent of variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation and path coefficient analysis. The experiment was conducted in a Randomised Block Design (RBD) with three replications at the crop research farm, Tantia University, Sriganganagar, during Kharif, 2024. The observations were recorded for ten different traits viz., days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), effective tiller/plant, ear head length (cm), ear head girth (cm), test weight (g), grain yield per plant (g), biological yield per plant (g), harvest index (%). The analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied, which indicates the presence of a considerable amount of variability for all the traits under study. Among the genotypes, the genotype HHB-68 recorded maximum grain yield per plant, ear head length, ear head girth and test weight. In the present study, high genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were observed for biological yield per plant, followed by grain yield per plant, effective tiller/plant, test weight and harvest index. This result suggested that the selection of these characters will be useful for the improvement of the crop. Correlation analysis showed that the grain yield per plant exhibited a highly significant and positive correlation with effective tiller/plant, plant height, ear head length, ear head girth, test weight and biological yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Thus, these characters were the most important traits and may impart considerable respect for higher grain yield. Based on the variability, correlation and path analysis, it can be concluded that the number of effective tiller tillers per plant, ear head length, ear head diameter and biological yield per plant could be used as selection criteria to identify the suitable genotypes for future breeding programmes.

Background: Pearl millet yields in India have significantly increased due to the adoption of hybrid cultivars and improved management practices. Hybrid breeding is particularly effective for exploiting heterosis or hybrid vigour, which results in hybrid offspring exhibiting superior performance and productivity compared to their parents. Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the extent of heterosis in newly developed restorer lines of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] and to identify superior hybrid combinations in restorer lines for use in future breeding programs. Place and Duration of the Study: The present investigation was undertaken at the Bajra Research Scheme, College of Agriculture, Dhule, India, during Summer-2023 and Kharif-2023. Methods: The experimental material for heterosis and combining ability studies was developed during summer, 2023, in which twelve inbreds were used and crosses were made in a half diallel mating design of 12 X 12. The experimental material consisted of twelve diverse restorer lines, which were used as parents. The total number of treatments was 80, comprising 66 F1s, 12 parents and 2 checks (Dhanshakti and Phule Mahashakti). Results: Hybrid DHLBI-2201 X DHLBI-1825 recorded the highest relative heterosis (206.94%) and the highest heterobeltiosis (206.17%), also, it showed the highest heterosis over both the checks Phule Mahashakti and Dhanshakti. The cross combinations viz., DHLBI-2201 X DHLBI-1825, DHLBI-2201 X DHLBI-2210, and DHLBI-2205 X DHLBI-2208 were identified as best for mid-parent heterosis, better parent heterosis, standard heterosis and useful heterosis. These could be exploited for obtaining transgressive segregants in segregating generations. Conclusion: Hybrid DHLBI-2201 × DHLBI-1825 emerged as the most promising cross, exhibiting superior heterosis for grain and fodder yield, and holds strong potential for future pearl millet improvement programs.

BackgroundMental health challenges, including anxiety, stress, depression, sleep disturbance and cognitive deficits, are prevalent among athletes due to continuous overtraining or field stress. Pearl millet is a nutrient-dense grain rich in lipids, iron, dietary fibre, and B vitamins and has potential benefits for mental well-being and improved cognitive function. Hence, the present randomised controlled trial aimed to study the effects of pearl millet diet on serum micronutrient status, mental health (anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance and disordered eating behaviour) and meta-cognitive skills in athletes.MethodsMale athletes (n = 60) aged 18–25 years were randomly allocated to experimental (EG) or control (CG) groups. The EG was provided with 1/3 of a pearl millet diet in lieu of regular cereals (wheat/rice) for 60 days, and the CG continued with a regular diet. Pre- and post-test blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis (haemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin, folate and vitamin-B12); mental health and meta-cognitive skills were determined via the SMHAT-1 and MCSS, respectively. The effects of the pearl millet diet on the study outcomes were determined via paired and independent sample t tests.ResultsCompared with the CG, the EG significantly decreased (p = 0.014) disordered eating behaviour and significantly improved meta-cognitive skills in planning (p < 0.046), monitoring (p < 0.041), evaluation (p = 0.024) and total MCSS (p = 0.020). Hb (p = 0.016) and serum vitamin B-12 significantly (p = 0.052) increased in the EG, but the mean difference between the EG and CG was significant for folate (p = 0.031) and Hb (p = 0.003).ConclusionPearl millet diet decreases the risk of disordered eating, and improves meta-cognitive skills and haemoglobin, micronutrient status in terms of folate and vitamin B-12 in athletes.

Application of ANN for assessment of protein content, fat content and rancidity indicators as affected by the storage conditions and Rhizopertha dominica infestation in Pearl millet

The study describes how millet flour ratios and processing techniques can be optimized to provide mouthwatering sensory qualities including texture, flavor, and appearance that are reminiscent of traditional momos. Due to their frequent usage of processed wheat flour, native momos are low in dietary fiber and minerals. This study aims to ascertain whether millets, such as finger, pearl, and sorghum millet, can be used to make momo wraps. A sensory panel test is also included in this study to ascertain customer acceptance and preference for the novel millet-based momos. Particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh where millets are indigenous and their reintroduction into diets is a public health concern, this research paper is probably going to make a significant contribution to the diversification of millet-based momos, increasing their use as a sustainable and healthful option.

Cancers induced by human papillomavirus are often associated with systemic inflammation and cachexia. This study aimed to determine the interference of Pennisetum glaucum oral supplementation over multi-organic dysfunction in HPV16-transgenic mice. The experimental groups included (1) wildtype (WT) mice with standard diet, (2) WT mice with 36% Pennisetum, (3) transgenic mice with standard diet, (4) transgenic mice with 29% Pennisetum, and (5) transgenic mice with 36% Pennisetum. During the 4-week experimental protocol, body weight, food and water intake, and humane endpoints were recorded. At sacrifice, blood and tissue samples were collected for analysis. Oral supplementation with millet was shown to be safe and well tolerated by both WT and transgenic mice, with no adverse effects on behavior, food or water intake, or general animal welfare. In HPV16-transgenic animals, millet supplementation was associated with an improved health status, reduced serum glucose levels, enhanced antioxidant responses, and a notable reduction in the severity of HPV-induced skin and organ lesions. Overall, Pennisetum glaucum was safe under these experimental conditions and is a promising functional food for patients suffering from systemic paraneoplastic syndromes. Longer exposure periods and doses should be evaluated experimentally before proceeding to clinical trials of Pennisetum-containing diets.

Background: Poor nutritional status is a global prevailing crisis due to associated short term and long-term negative impact on individual health, social-economic development and reduced per capita productivity potential. In Kenya, childhood under-nutrition is concentrated in the Arid and semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), where it is associated with food insecurity, environmental conditions and poor child care practices. Objective: The objective of this randomized efficacy trial was to determine the effects of honey bee brood and pearl millet based supplement (PeMH+), on weight, height, MUAC, hemoglobin and wasting, as compared to Corn Soy Blend (CSB+). Methods: A total of 38 children (12-36 months) were randomized to two arms of study (with 19 children in each group) for 12 weeks, in Meru County, Kenya. Group A was fed on PeMH+ (Novel Supplement), and Group B was fed on Corn Soy Blend (CSB+) which is the conventional treatment for moderate wasting. Changes in Weight, Height, and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), weight for height Z-score (WHZ), Height for Age (WFH) Z-score were monitored two weekly while Hemoglobin was monitored at baseline and at the end of study so as to determine their changes and recovery rates for wasting, stunting. Pearson Chi-Square tests were employed to evaluate statistical significance of the effects of PeMH+ on weight, Height, MUAC, Weight Height Z-Score (WHZ), Height for Age Z-Score (HFA), and hemoglobin as compared to the Control (CSB+ group). Results: Cumulatively, there was an average weight, Height, and MUAC and hemoglobin change of 0.8kg, 2.1 cm, 1.1 cm and 1.9g/dl respectively for PeMH+ group A). This marked a whooping majority recovery rate (&gt;-1 Z-score) of 94.6% from moderate wasting. No statistical difference was identified between pattern of recovery and change in weight, MUAC, WHZ between the two groups except for HFA Z-score where children were shown to gain height faster in the group A.

Extruded whole flours from blends of cereals and pulses have great potential to be key ingredients in the development of more innovative gluten-free products, both from a technological and nutritional perspective. The objective of this work was to obtain pre-cooked flours from four formulations based on blends of whole cereals (PR: parboiled brown rice; PM: pearl millet) and pulses (CP: chickpea; CB: common bean). CB was fixed at 10%, and the other components (PR-PM-CP) were set at 60-15-15 (F1), 15-60-15 (F2), 15-15-60 (F3), and 30-30-30 (F4), which were extruded at two combined conditions of feed moisture and screw speed: mild E1 (30% and 300 rpm) and severe E2 (18% and 600 rpm). The temperature profile was kept constant from 25 to 130 °C (from feed to output). The protein, dietary fiber, and ash contents in the raw formulations varied from 11.2 to 17.4%, 9.8 to 15.0%, and 2.2 to 3.3%, respectively, according to the low or high pulse content in the blend. As more mechanical energy was delivered to the raw formulations (W·h/kg, 63.7 for E1 and 179.4 for E2), the extruded particles had increased water absorption (g/g) from 1.7 to 4.5 (E1) or 3.8 (E2), increased water solubility due to E2 from 10.9 to 20.9%, and decreased oil absorption (g/g) from 1.5 to 0.9 (E1 and E2). The peak viscosity (PV, cP) was noticeable only in the raw formulation F2 (355), which decreased 10.3% due to E1. In the other formulations, PV appeared due to E1 in F1 (528), F3 (420), and F4 (371), while it disappeared due to E2 in all formulations. However, at the E2 condition, they did show cold viscosity in the initial stage (222 to 394 cP). The final viscosity (FV, cP) decreased from 795 to 390 (E1) or 123 (E2). In F2, the contents of phenolic compounds (285 µg GAE/g) and ABTS+ (13.2 μmol TE/g) were more than twice that in the other formulations, and their respective degradations were low due to E1 (4.2 and 12%) and high due to E2 (16 and 17%). Extrusion cooking did not cause significant changes in the luminosity (81) and redness (0.9) of particles, while yellowness increased from 15.7 to 18.2 (E1) or 18.7 (E2). Based on these findings, it is concluded that both extrusion conditions improved the technological and functional properties. Regarding the formulations, F2 stood out for being rich in antioxidant capacity, which poorly degraded under the conditions studied. Further work is needed to contribute to understanding the optimization of formulas and processes that would improve the nutritional, sensorial, and functional properties while still preserving the bioactive value of the final products.

Millet Spinach Muthiya is a traditional Indian snack prepared with pearl millet (40%), finger millet (20%), and spinach leaves, enriched with spices and condiments. Pearl millet contributes protein and fiber, while finger millet provides iron, calcium, zinc, and protein. Spinach enhances flavor and further improves the nutritional profile through its vitamins, minerals, fibers, and flavonoids. Two variants were developed and evaluated: Sample A (steamed) and Sample B (fried). A total of nine formulation trials were conducted, of which the ninth trial for both samples was selected based on sensory evaluation. Proximate and nutritional analyses revealed that the steamed product (Sample A) was superior to the fried product (Sample B) in terms of protein, fiber, and mineral retention, confirming its higher nutritional value. The study highlights the potential of millet-based functional foods and emphasizes the scope for developing improved processing techniques and mechanization for millet products.

The restoration of degraded areas can be promoted through afforestation and reforestation using natural regeneration, tree planting, or a mix of both approaches. However, dry periods pose challenges such as moisture stress and poor soil fertility, which hinder the growth and survival of planted seedlings. This study examined the impact of mulching and irrigation techniques on the survival and growth of Ziziphus spina-christi seedlings. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Six treatments were applied: Pearl millet straw mulch + irrigation (PMI), stone mulch + irrigation (SMI), Pearl millet mulch (PM), stone mulch (SM), irrigation (Irr), and a control (no mulching and irrigation). We evaluated plant height, root collar diameter (RCD), and seedling survival count at six-month intervals over four years, while soil moisture content was monitored monthly during the final two years. At the end of the experiment, measurements were taken for primary branch count, canopy diameter, new shoot emergence, and leaf area index (LAI). One-way ANOVA was performed to evaluate the effects of treatments on seedling growth and survival. The results indicated that seedlings treated with PMI and SMI had significantly (p < 0.05) higher plant height, RCD, and LAI compared to the control. Additionally, seedlings planted with PMI exhibited significantly higher soil moisture content (13.5%) compared to the control group (7.7%). Therefore, applying moisture and mulching with pearl millet or stone after planting ensures optimal survival and growth rates of Z. spina-christi in dry lands.

Probiotics like Lactobacillus sp. are extensively studied for their beneficial host interactions, including the gut–brain axis, anti-inflammatory effects, immune system interactions, restoration of gut dysbiosis, and anti-aging effects. In the current study, pearl millet was fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum strains DHCU 70 and MCC 5231, which enhanced the nutritional, bioactive, and functional properties of derived probiotic beverages. Compared to unfermented controls, fermented beverages exhibited increased protein content and vitamins B1, B2, and B3, with decreased carbohydrate and dietary fiber levels. The probiotics have maintained viability exceeding 12 log CFU/mL and showed resistance to harsh gastrointestinal conditions. Fermentation increased total phenolic content from 13.38 ± 0.40 mg GAE/100 g to 42.10 ± 2.65 mg GAE/100 g (LPDB) and 47.76 ± 1.37 mg GAE/100 g (LPMB) and total flavonoid content from 13.01 ± 1.18 mg QE/100 g to 23.12 ± 2.73 mg QE/100 g and 24.21 ± 0.98 mg QE/100 g, respectively. Antioxidant assays showed DPPH radical scavenging improved by 37%, ferrous ion chelation rose from 71.69 ± 0.09 mg TE/100 g to 91.45 ± 0.006 mg TE/100 g, ABTS scavenging increased from 71.62 mg TE/100 g to 82.51 ± 0.04 mg TE/100 g (LPDB) and 89.74 ± 0.04 mg TE/100 g (LPMB) and superoxide radical inhibition rose from 51.40 ± 0.98% to 81.77 ± 0.03% (LPDB) and 79.92 ± 0.02% (LPMB). In the in vivo model, Caenorhabditis elegans, fermented beverage treatments significantly improved health-span parameters like head-swing frequency (13.51% increase), body bend frequency (8.41% increase), pharyngeal pumping (8.15% increase) with reduced lipofuscin accumulation and intracellular reactive oxygen species while median lifespan extended beyond 24 days versus 14–16 days in controls (p < 0.05). Gompertz mortality modeling revealed a significant decrease in the aging rate parameter, indicating systemic mitigation of stress-induced physiological decline. These combined nutritional, bioactive, and in vivo longevity results underscore the potential of L. plantarum-fermented pearl millet beverages as functional nutraceuticals that target oxidative stress and promote healthy aging.

The present study observation on the synergistic effects of inorganic fertilizers combined with Jeevamrutha and Beejamrutha on soil microbial and enzymatic properties in pearl millet cultivation during 2023 and 2024. The experiment assessed key soil parameters, including dehydrogenase, urease, and phosphatase activities, as well as microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and populations of nitrogen fixers, phosphorus solubilizers, and actinomycetes at 0-20 cm soil depth. Results demonstrated that the integrated application of Jeevamrutha and Beejamrutha with inorganic fertilizers significantly enhanced soil microbial activity across all parameters studied. The highest dehydrogenase and urease activities were observed in treatments with 100% RDF + Jeevamrutha + Beejamrutha (T11), reaching 62 µg TPF g-1 soil-1 day-1 and 61 µg NH₄⁺-N g-1 soil hr-1 in 2023, respectively. Similarly, microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen also increased significantly in T11, with values of 381 µg C g-1 soil and 46 µg N g-1 soil in 2023. The integration of organic amendments improved nutrient cycling, microbial biomass, and overall soil fertility. These findings indicate that combining organic bioenhancers with conventional inorganic fertilizers offers a promising approach to enhancing soil health and sustainability in agricultural practices.

The study investigates the impact of climate change on pearl millet production in Niger, focusing on projected changes in temperature and rainfall. The research uses the CERES-millet model in the DSSAT framework to simulate millet yields under three climate scenarios (SSP1–2.6, SSP3–7.0, and SSP5–8.5) for different time periods: 2015–2044, 2045–2074, and 2075–2100. Five Global Circulation Models (GCMs) with varying climate sensitive were selected for simulations these include (IPSL-CM6A-LR, MPI-ESM1–2-HR, GFDL-ESM4, MRI-ESM2–0, and UKESM1–0-LL). The CERES-Millet model was calibrated using field experiment data collected during the 2021 and 2022 rainy seasons at two locations in Niger Goungoubon (2021 and 2022) and Fandou (2022). Trials were established near irrigation facilities to ensure optimal moisture conditions, with supplemental irrigation applied whenever soil moisture dropped below field capacity. Calibration involved iterative adjustment of key genetic coefficients using observed phenological stages and grain yield to improve model accuracy. The performance of the model was then validated by comparing simulated and observed values of phenology and yield showing good agreement and confirming it reliability. The study found that rising temperatures, particularly under high-emission scenarios, lead to shortened flowering and maturity times, with more pronounced effects towards the end of the century. Additionally, changes in rainfall patterns were expected, with an increase in rainfall projected for the Sahel region. The simulations revealed a consistent decline in millet yields across most scenario, with the greatest yield losses occurring under the SSP5–8.5 scenario in the 2075–2100 period. The results highlight the significant threat that climate change poses to pearl millet production, emphasizing the need for adaptive crop management strategies.