Underutilized Nutrient Rich Millets: Challenges and Solutions for India's Food and Nutritional Security: A Review

Abstract

The productivity of the rice and wheat farming system is now fast approaching stability, in spite of the fact that the green revolution assisted India in becoming self-sufficient. To introduce traditional grains that are both nutrient-dense and environmentally sustainable, agricultural diversification is necessary. Security in food and nourishment for everyone must be ensured. However, getting there is really difficult. Data readily available indicates that hunger levels are rising globally. Small millets are adaptable, less labor-intensive, resilient, nutritious, and sustainable crops that can help to some part mitigate the issues facing modern agriculture. Small millets are far less commonly consumed than major cereals. Small millets have been marginalized and neglected as a result of overdependence on a few numbers of plant species, namely, rice, wheat, maize, and potatoes. Energy, complex carbs, minerals, and phytochemicals are abundant in little millets. These can be used, according to studies, to effectively combat malnutrition, including both undernutrition and overnutrition. Millets are small-seeded grasses, appear to meet this description. These are eco-friendly and contain a macronutrient, and micronutrient content that is well-balanced. Millets can aid in the prevention of a variety of non-communicable diseases and have nutraceutical benefits. Millets are more palatable after soaking, roasting, germination, and fermentation processes, which also reduce anti-nutrients, enhance the physiochemical accessibility. of micronutrients, and increase their bioavailability. Value-added goods can increase millet demand and farmer revenue by being prepared and made widely available to the consumer. It’s essential to create as well as spread millet-based food goods that offer low-income individuals’ affordability, convenience, flavor, texture, and shelf stability. As a result, these superfoods have the potential to achieve nutritional and food security.