Food and nutrient insecurity are threats to human survival, and in the wake of climatic modifications, water scarceness, increasing world population, and rising food prices, there exists an urgent need to broaden the food basket by making use of underutilized crops. Millet is an underutilized cereal cultivated in the semi-arid tropics (places with low rainfall patterns). It is mostly a staple crop with a major protein and energy source for approximately 130 million individuals in Africa’s sub-Saharan regions. There are over 18 species of millet that are recorded to be domesticated and cultivated. Most of these varieties can be found in Africa and it is an important crop to countries such as Ethiopia, Guinea and Nigeria.
It contains folic acid, Vitamins A, B1, B2, and B5. It also contains proteins, and very high amounts of fiber to the extent that it has been referred to as a fiber rich crop. Pearl-based composite flour can be developed to provide an alternative to 100% wheat flour for bread because of its gluten free nature which makes it good for people that are gluten-intolerant. It has great pasting and functional properties that makes it a good ingredient for product development. It has good dispersibility, water and oil absorption capacities, and a great water solubility index among others.
Over the years millet has been used domestically in the production of meals such as hausa koko; a Ghanaian breakfast, khichdi an Indian meal, zonkom a refreshing and nutritious beverage, brukina made from millet pellets mixed with yogurt, and fura etc. Its use does not end with only the drinks and
Commercially millet can be exploited to produce drinks, beverages, pastries, flours, pasta and many more. Millet is a great baby food ingredient as it contains iron, fiber and calcium and also good for the diabetic and the gluten free communities.
A bowl of pear millet khichdi
Despite these benefits, millet has not yet received much attention in research studies to improve it as a fortified crop and broaden its use in the human diet. The lack of attention has also resulted in dwindling production levels over the years. Millet is still generally regarded as “the poor man’s food” but has a very great potential in food and nutrient security. Millet offers a great opportunity for future research and policies that aims at reducing food insecurity and promoting good health and well being.
A more detailed article has been published on how we can harness the potential of millets. Kindly click on the link below to access it for free.
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