Genetics and Genomics Interventions for Promoting Millets as Functional Foods

Title:Genetics and Genomics Interventions for Promoting Millets as Functional Foods

Volume: 22 Issue: 3

Author(s): Annvi Dhaka, Roshan Kumar Singh, Mehanathan Muthamilarasan and Manoj Prasad*

Affiliation:

• National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067,India

Keywords: Millets, genetics, genomics, functional food, nutri-cereals, food security.

Abstract: Several crops, including millets with immense nutritional and therapeutic values, were once a part of our regular diet. However, due to domestication and selection pressures, many of them have become marginally cultivated crops confined to a particular region, race, or locality. Millets are a perfect example of neglected species that have the potential to address both food and nutritional insecurities prevalent among the ever-growing global population. Starvation and malnutrition contribute to a large number of health-related issues, being the main reason behind the occurrence of most of the severe diseases worldwide. These constraints are repeatedly disturbing both the social and economic health of global society. Naturally, millets are rich in minerals, nutrients, and bioactive compounds, and these crops are less dependent on synthetic fertilizers, systemic irrigation, and pest/weed control. Given this, the review emphasizes the nutritional values, health benefits, processing techniques, and genomic advancements of millets. In addition, it proposes a roadmap for enhancing the utility and commercialization of millets.

Cite this article as:

Dhaka Annvi , Singh Kumar Roshan , Muthamilarasan Mehanathan and Prasad Manoj *, Genetics and Genomics Interventions for Promoting Millets as Functional Foods, Current Genomics 2021; 22(3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389202922666210225084212