One of the compelling reasons for using millets is their ability to have a high temperature optimum and also grow in low moisture conditions compared to other grains.

The nutritional role of millets is important because there are real issues with the prevalent use of herbicide in the production of many of our major grain crops. Roundup h erbicide is a probable carcinogen and the approval of the resistant technology can be associated with digestive as well as the cancer issues.

For people with wheat issues the use millet works to counteract these issues and the millet grain is higher in nutrition that wheat.

The millet use is also recommended related to increasing prevalence of diabetes.

Among the millets I believe the hybrid ability of pearl millets give a high yield potential to combine with its favorable production attributes.

In relation to Indian subcontinent the use of millets and pigeon pea are of much interest for their ability to improve diet and withstand a warming world.

Being a C4 group of cereals, millets convert more carbon dioxide to oxygen, contributing in mitigating climate change. Millets can endure extremely high temperatures to drought to salinity making it a climate resilient crop.

Millet: The super food for combating food a…

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www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/millet/

In terms of nutrtion the small seed size confers the high embryo to endosperm ratio very favorable to high nutrition. Millets are also high in fiber needed for the optimized digestion and elimination.

Dr Paul Reed Hepperly thank you for your contribution to the discussion

Millets thrive in warm temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 35°C (95°F and milletscan tolerate both drought and excess moisture, but prefer an annual rainfall between 400 and 900 mm (16 to 36 inches). Millets are dry crops and they can thrive even in areas with an average rainfall of 50 to 120 cm and a normal temperature ranges between 27°C to 32°C. Even inferior alluvial soils prove suitable for their production. A warm, temperate climate is essential for the sprouting and germination of the millet seeds to keep the soil temperature cozy since they are susceptible to damage by cold weather and frosts. The sustainable temperature for millet growth is 20-30 degrees Celsius. Generally the Millets are grown in tropical as well as sub-tropical up to an altitude of 2,100m. It is a heat loving plant and for its germination the minimum temperature required is 8- 10°c. A mean temperature range of 26-29°c during the growth is best for proper development and good crop yield. Millet requires warm air temperatures for proper growth. The ideal temperature range for millet growth is between 25-30°C. If the temperature is too low, the growth of the plant will slow down, and if the temperature is too high, the plant may become stressed and wilt. Millets are environment-friendly grains and require less water and pesticides to grow and survive. Increasing millet production and consumption can be a great way to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce the carbon footprint on the environment. Millets may provide us with climate change insurance in the future. Millets can withstand extreme weather, such as drought and high temperatures. They may thrive in the driest, toughest environments. When compared to other cereal crops like rice and wheat, millet has a high nutritional content and is drought-resistant. The sustainable temperature for millet growth is 20-30 degree Celsius. Warm temperate climate is essential for the sprouting and germination of the millet seeds. Little millet can do with moisture since they have efficient water utilization abilities. Millets are highly adaptive to a wide range of ecological conditions and thrive well in rain-fed; arid climate and they have minimal requirement of water, fertilizers, and pesticides. Health-promoting nutritious crop: Compared to other cereals they have superior micronutrient profile and bioactive flavonoids.Millets can withstand extreme temperatures, droughts, and floods. Millets grow well in arid zones/rain-fed locations with marginal soil fertility and moisture. Because of its effective root system, millets require far less water than other cereal crops for their production. As Millets are resistant to climatic stress, pests and diseases, this makes them a sustainable food source for combating hunger in changing world climate. Further, millets are not water or input-intensive, making them a sustainable strategy for addressing climate change and building resilient agri-food systems. Usually, minor millets require below 35cm of rainfall, while a few other major millets require at least 40cm of rainfall for a good harvest. Most millet such as Jowar, Ragi, Bajra, Sorghum, etc. Millet is being considered as a smart crop because it is tolerant to increased temperature and droughts, can be cultivated in dryland areas and it requires low water footprint. Millets are high in nutrition and dietary fibre. They serve as good source of protein, micronutrients and phytochemicals. The millets contain 7-12% protein, 2-5% fat, 65-75% carbohydrates and 15-20% dietary fibre. The essential amino acid profile of the millet protein is better than various cereals such as maize. Millets are good sources of energy as well as protein, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, dietary fibre and polyphenols. Nowadays millets are used mainly throughout the world as a functional ingredient into many processed foods. The functional properties of the millet flour ranged between 0.49-0.59(g/ml) for bulk density, 1.55-1.64(g/g) for oil absorption capacity, 1.60- 1.71(g/g) for water absorption capacity, 73-37.50(%) for dispersibility, 0.53-0.71(g/g) swelling power and 18.17-36.08(%) solubility respectively. Millets are rich source of protein, fibre, micronutrients and vitamins besides energy and can contribute to the alleviation of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and protein malnutrition affecting women and preschool children.