Millets-A Powerhouse for Food Security and Combating Malnutrition

Abstract

Malnutrition remains a global challenge, affecting millions of people and posing a significant threat to food security. It has become the emerging challenge in the contest of raising uncertainty of food supplies. Malnutrition factors like hidden hunger and micronutrient deficiency has become life threatening for children and women, as they become susceptible to common infections and life-threatening diseases. Millets are the ancient heritage grains valued for their nutritional properties as well as due to their high resistance to abiotic stress and low input requirement. These coarse grains are a rich source of carbohydrates, dietary fibres, fats, proteins, vitamins, essential minerals and trace elements, essential amino acids, and anti-oxidants, and hence can be regarded as miracle grains. Despite the ease of cultivation and various nutritional and therapeutic properties, very less importance is given for its promotion. These neglected crops can assure food security and sustainable production. In this review, a brief account on the role of millets to combat malnutrition and achieve nutritional security has been furnished.