Significance of Indian millets in enhancing global food security: A comprehensive review

Background

Millets offer great potential to reinforce global food security owing to their nutritional value and ability to withstand environmental challenges, such as salinity. They serve as a rich source of essential amino acids and demonstrate substantial free radical quenching capabilities, indicating strong antioxidant properties. These nutritional advantages position millets as an excellent dietary choice, especially for impoverished communities residing in arid, barren, and marginal lands.

Scope and approach

Despite the obstacles posed by unpredictable weather patterns and ongoing climate fluctuations, millets exhibit an impressive capacity to sprout and thrive even in environments with high salt concentrations. They have proven their resilience to salinity stress, displaying stimulatory effects on germination and growth under seawater treatments. This resilience, coupled with their rapid maturation and year-round cultivation potential, makes millets appealing for intensive cropping systems and as a companion or intercrop alongside slower-maturing plants. Nonetheless, it is vital to consider the socioeconomic ramifications associated with millet cultivation and consumption. The perception of millet as food primarily meant for disadvantaged populations can lead to their undervaluation and underutilization. Therefore, raising awareness about millets' capacity to withstand environmental stressors, their nutritional advantages, and their role in sustainable agriculture is imperative.

Key findings and conclusion

Millets hold immense promise for achieving global food security in a changing world. Their adaptability and nutritional value offer a sustainable solution to feed a growing population under increasing environmental pressures to fulfil the needs at economic, ecological, and health levels. Shifting public perception towards these benefits could significantly encourage wider cultivation and consumption of millets.