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Crops that feed the world 11. Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.): an important source of food security, nutrition and health in the arid and semi-arid tropics

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Abstract

Pearl millet is a major cereal in the arid and semi-arid regions of Asia and Africa. It is primarily cultivated for grain production, but its stover is also valued as dry fodder. Pearl millet is resilient to climate change due to its inherent adaptability to drought and high temperatures. It is also tolerant of saline and acid soils, and is well adapted to marginal lands with low productivity. Pearl millet germplasm exhibits large genetic variability for yield components; and various agronomic, adaptation and nutritional traits. Open pollinated varieties and hybrids are two important cultivar options, but higher productivity is realized through hybrids. Pearl millet has fewer pest and disease problems compared to other cereals and is suited to different cropping systems. It is highly responsive to improved crop management practices, as witnessed in parts of India where it is grown as an irrigated summer crop that produces higher yields and better quality grain. Pearl millet has high nutritional value in terms of high levels of energy, dietary fibre, proteins with a balanced amino acid profile, many essential minerals, some vitamins, and antioxidants. These play a significant role in prevention of important human ailments such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. There is great potential for harnessing these positive attributes through genetic improvement, improved crop management, and grain processing and food products technologies. These should help to develop greater global awareness of the importance of this crop for food and nutritional security.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Dr. M. Govindaraj, Scientist, ICRISAT, India and Mr. Prakash Kalwani, Senior Research Fellow, ICAR-CAZRI, India for helping us with preparation of the manuscript. Partial funding support to KNR from HarvestPlus Biofortification Program of the CGIAR is gratefully acknowledged.

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  1. C. L. Laxmipathi Gowda

    Present address: GRSV Consulting Services, Mysuru, India

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

    A. K . Jukanti, V. K. Manga & R. K. Bhatt

  2. ICRISAT, Patancheru, India

    C. L. Laxmipathi Gowda

  3. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru, Telanagana, India

    K. N. Rai

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Jukanti, A.K..., Gowda, C.L.L., Rai, K.N. et al. Crops that feed the world 11. Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.): an important source of food security, nutrition and health in the arid and semi-arid tropics. Food Sec. 8, 307–329 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-016-0557-y

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