The gradual change in
climatic conditions particularly rainfall receipt and distribution in tropical
and subtropical regions of the world necessitates productivity enhancement of
stress tolerant crops such as small millets as one option for food security.
Little millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth. ex. Roem. and Schultz.) is an important
indigenous small millets crop. It is well known for its drought tolerance and
is considered as one of the least water demanding crops. Micronutrient
malnutrition resulting from the consumption of diets deficient in minerals,
vitamins and essential amino acids, affects more than one-half of the world’s
population especially women and children in developing countries .
The
nutritional quality of little millet grain is superior to many other major
cereals. It is also contains B vitamins, especially niacin, B6 and folic acid
calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc . Iron deficiency
is the most common nutritional disorder in the world affecting over 4 billion
people, with more than 2 billion people, mainly in developing countries,
actually being anemic . Zinc deficiency in humans reduces growth, sexual
maturity and the immune defence system . Whole grains of little millet may
have health promoting effects equal to or even in higher amount than fruits and
vegetables and have a protective effect against insulin resistance, heart
diseases, diabetes, ischemic stroke, obesity, breast cancer, childhood asthma
and premature death.Read more......
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