Millets
Indian millets are a group of nutritiously rich, drought tolerant and mostly grown in the arid and semi-arid regions of India. They are small-seeded grasses belonging to the botanical family Poaceae. They constitute an important source of food and fodder for millions of resource-poor farmers and play a vital role in ecological and economic security of India. These millets are also known as "coarse cereals" or "cereals of the poor". Indian Millets are nutritionally superior to wheat and rice as they are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. They are also gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, making them ideal for people with celiac disease or diabetes.
pearl millet
The most extensively cultivated millet is pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum, P. typhoides, Pryhpideum, and P. americanum). Large stems, leaves, and heads characterise this summer cereal grass. In terms of farmed land and contributions to food security in parts of Africa and Asia that can only produce limited amounts of other crops, pearl millet is the most significant species of millet. Compared to other millet such as sorghum or maize, it utilizes moisture more effectively, Condensed panicles (spiked) measuring 10 to 150 cm In length, support the grain. Under conditions of heat and drought, Pearl Millets has the highest yield potential of all millets. Pearl millet can be beneficial in the process of weight loss as it is high in fiber content and also give satiety as it takes a longer time to pass through the stomach to the intestine. It has been found that due to its high fiber content risk of occurrence of gall stone is low. Pearl millet had phosphorus and a rich source of calcium which helps to attain peak bone density.
Production of Pearl Millet in India
Source: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW)
Pearl Millet Nutrient per 100g
Sorghum
Sorghum is a crop from the Gramineae family that is high in carbohydrates and has the scientific name Sorghum bicolor L. It is one of the staple crops for millions of semi-arid residents, is also known as “The KING OF MILLETS'. Its main ingredient is starch, which is digested more slowly than in other cereals and also has a low protein and fat digestibility. The onset of non-communicable diseases is significantly influenced by oxidative stress and excessive free radical production. The expression of the phase II enzyme is controlled by sorghum derived phenolic chemicals. These operate as the body's natural defense against oxidative stress by converting highly reactive electrophilic species (RES)into harmless and excretable metabolites.
Production of Sorghum in India
Source: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW)
Sorghum Nutrient Per 100g
source: Nutritive value of Indian food, NIN, ICMR 2018
Finger Millet
Another significant staple grain in Eastern Africa and Asia is finger millet (Eleusine coracana), often known as ragi in India (India, Nepal. At the top of the stem, the plant has many spikes or "fingers." The grains are tiny (I-2 mm in diameter). Finger millet grains are rich in minerals, dietary fiber, polyphenols, and proteins. Finger millet, which is rich in calcium plays an important role in growing children, pregnant women as Well as people suffering from obesity, diabetes and malnutrition. It contains high amount of potassium for the proper functioning of the kidneys and brains and allows the brain and muscles to work smoothly.
Production of Finger Millet in India
Finger Millet Nutrient per 100g
