Odisha Researchers Uncover Nutrition-Rich Millet Varieties with Potential to Boost Food Security
In an age where the importance of dietary diversity and sustainability is increasingly recognized, a team of researchers from the Central University of Odisha has made a significant breakthrough. Led by Dr. Debabrata Panda, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources, the team has identified three indigenous little millet genotypes—Mami, Kalia, and Bada—with superior nutritional profiles.
Unearthing the Nutritional Treasures of ‘Suan’
The research focused on little millets, locally known as ‘Suan’, cultivated by tribal communities in the Koraput region of the Eastern Ghats. The nutritional profiling of 14 indigenous genotypes revealed that the three selected varieties exhibited higher levels of protein, fiber, ash, energy, flavonoids, vitamin C, antioxidants, iron, and zinc. These nutritional gems outshone OLM 208, an improved variety developed by OUAT in Berhampur, and other local varieties.
Recognition and Implication of the Research
The findings were published in the ‘Planta’ journal by Springer Nature on January 13, 2024. The Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the School of Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources at the Central University of Odisha hailed the research team for their contributions to Millet Research and the study of tribal crops.
Conservation and Commercial Promotion of Indigenous Little Millets
Dr. Panda underscored the need to conserve these nutrition-packed millets in their natural habitat due to the risk of genetic resource depletion posed by modern agricultural practices. He also proposed that promoting the commercial production of indigenous little millets could stimulate the local economy, create markets, and contribute to the nutritional security of tribal populations. This could pave the way for the development of high-value functional foods for the food industry.
The research comes as part of the larger Odisha Millets Mission (OMM), which adopts a fork to farm approach and aims to integrate millets into the daily life of every societal segment. The OMM has been globally recognized for its promotion of millets at the International Nutri-Cereal Convention, reinforcing the potential of these grains in shaping a sustainable food system.
You can read the original news here: Source link
