Recent Advancements on Barnyard Millet Starch: A Sustainable Alternative to Conventional Starch

Abstract

The global demand for starch has been steadily increasing, driven by various industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. However, conventional starch sources, such as corn and wheat, are associated with significant environmental concerns and resource depletion. Therefore, there is a growing need to explore sustainable alternatives to conventional starches. Barnyard millet starch can be a promising sustainable alternative to conventional starch. The starch extracted from barnyard millet exhibits unique physicochemical properties, including high amylose content, small granule size, and good gel‐forming ability. These properties make it suitable for various industrial applications. In the food industry, it can be used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and fat replacer in various products, including sauces, soups, bakery items, and dairy alternatives. Moreover, barnyard millet starch shows promise in the textile industry as a sizing agent and for producing biodegradable films. However, challenges related to scaling up production, processing techniques, and market acceptance must be addressed to realize the potential of barnyard millet starch fully. Embracing barnyard millet starch can contribute to a more sustainable and resource‐efficient future, reducing the ecological footprint associated with starch production. This review article focuses on the properties, modifications, functionality, and applications of barnyard starch.