Title:Genetics and Genomics Interventions for Promoting Millets as Functional Foods
Volume: 22
Issue: 3
Author(s): Annvi Dhaka, Roshan Kumar Singh, Mehanathan Muthamilarasan and Manoj Prasad*
Affiliation:
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067,India
Keywords:
Millets, genetics, genomics, functional food, nutri-cereals, food security.
Abstract: Several crops, including millets with immense nutritional and therapeutic values, were
once a part of our regular diet. However, due to domestication and selection pressures, many of
them have become marginally cultivated crops confined to a particular region, race, or locality. Millets
are a perfect example of neglected species that have the potential to address both food and nutritional
insecurities prevalent among the ever-growing global population. Starvation and malnutrition
contribute to a large number of health-related issues, being the main reason behind the occurrence
of most of the severe diseases worldwide. These constraints are repeatedly disturbing both
the social and economic health of global society. Naturally, millets are rich in minerals, nutrients,
and bioactive compounds, and these crops are less dependent on synthetic fertilizers, systemic irrigation,
and pest/weed control. Given this, the review emphasizes the nutritional values, health benefits,
processing techniques, and genomic advancements of millets. In addition, it proposes a
roadmap for enhancing the utility and commercialization of millets.
