Abstract

Malnutrition problems and nutritional insecurity is a major threat to the world’s population including India. Millets include maize (Zea mays L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.], finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn], foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) Beauv], proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.), barnyard millet (Echinochloa spp.), kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) and little millet (Panicum sumatrense). Millets are the primary sources of energy of Asia and Africa because of presence of high amount of essential amino acids, minerals, vitamins and protein. So, these cereals, rich in nutrients content can help to eradicate the nutritional deficiency diseases. To feed increasing population of India, climate change scenario and exploitation to maximum of agricultural lands with irrigation facility, it is need to focus on dry lands also to produce sufficient grain. Millets are better option in comparison to other crops due to their climate change compliant nature. So, millets conservation and cultivation can also keep dry lands productive and ensure nutritional food security. Therefore it is urgent need to conserve land races of these underutilized crops for food security and sustaining the agro-diversity.