Minor Millets: Cultivation, Breeding, Genomics and Uses

This book on minor millets provides a detailed account of their crop biology, agronomy, genetics, breeding, genomic resources, production constraints and value addition. The potential of minor millets in addressing food and nutritional insecurities is well-recognized. Government of India declared millets as “Shree Anna” as they are a powerhouse of nutrients and possess strong climate-resilience properties. Minor millet species, such as finger millet, foxtail millet, barnyard millet, little millet, proso millet, kodo millet, fonio millet, and teff, are the oldest-cultivated crops that are used for both food and fodder in semi-arid regions of Asia and Africa. In the recent times, they have become important due to their unparalleled nutritional profile, recognized nutraceutical properties, versatile environmental adaptability, and ability to flourish in low input agriculture and organic cultivation. However, their cultivation and consumption are declining due to lack of awareness and unavailability of literature to a broad range of audience. This book serves as reference material for researchers and students engaged in genetic improvement, biochemistry, processing, and value addition of minor millets.