Nutri-Cereals for Widening Food base and Nutritional Security:

Abstract

Among rainfed crops, millets as group figure prominently. India is the largest producer of many kinds of millets, which are often referred to as coarse cereals. Realizing the nutrient composition of these grains they are now considered as nutri-cereals (Nutritious grains). Millets grown in India are sorghum (Jowar), pearl millet (Bajra), finger millet (Ragi) and many other small millets viz. Kodo millet, Foxtail millet, Little millet, Proso millet and barnyard millet. These are grown in diverse soils varying rainfall regimes and in areas widely differing in thermo and photoperiods. The resilience exhibited by these crops is helpful in adjusting themselves to different kind of niches , because of their eco-friendly nature these crops are included under organic agriculture. National food security could only be effective when food and fodder needs of the region are met within the region itself. At present there is excessive dependence on two crops viz. rice and wheat for maintaining /sustaining food self-sufficiency. This has made not only the food security vary fragile but also shrunken the food basket. this needs correction and more ideal situation would be producing the required food within the state/region itself by promoting and developing locally/regionally important rainfed crops. The changed dietary pattern largely dependent on rice and wheat which has led to widespread nutritional deficiency . In order to alleviate this problem and make food security meaningful, millets in general and small millets in particular could play a major role. The promotion of millet crops can lead to much efficient natural resource management and ultimately to a more holistic approach in sustaining precious agro-biodiversity. Small millets are highly nutritious and even superior to rice and wheat in certain constituents. Finger millet is the richest source of calcium (300-350mg/100g grain) and other small millets are good source of phosphorus and iron.The protein content range from 7-12% and fat content from 1.12 to 5.0%. The millet protein has well balanced amino acid profile and good source of methionine, cystine and lycine. These essential amino acids are of special benefits to those who depend on plant food for their protein nourishment. The millet grain contains about 65% carbohydrate, a high proportion of which is in the form of non-starchy polysaccharides and dietary fibre which help in prevention of constipation, lowering of blood cholesterol and slow release of glucose to the blood stream during digestion. Millet grains are also rich in important vitamins viz. Thiamine, riboflavin, folin and niacin. it is of interest to note that lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases, duodenal ulcer and hyperglycemia (diabetes) are reported among regular millet consumers.