Millets: Exploring the Underutilized Potential for Sustainable Agriculture

Millets have long been overshadowed by more mainstream crops, yet their potential is vast and largely untapped. This new volume meets an urgent need to raise awareness about the nutritional benefits, processing techniques, crop protection strategies, and breeding tools and techniques for underutilized millets. The volume first provides readers with a foundational understanding of the historical, nutritional, and ecological significance of these grains, setting the stage for a deeper exploration into their underutilized potential and the transformative role they can play in global agriculture. One of the key strengths of this book lies in its commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by millet cultivation. It goes beyond the traditional narrative, shedding light on pest and disease management strategies crucial for the success of millet crops, providing a holistic and practical guide for farmers and researchers alike. Chapters look at plant protection aspects, covering the gamut of challenges to millet cultivation and production, such as stress from environmental factors, fungal diseases, insect pests, along with effective management techniques. The authors explore how today’s rapid and cutting-edge technology is used in practices and breeding methodologies that not only enhance millet production but also contribute to the overall sustainability of agricultural systems, serving as a valuable resource for those at the forefront of agricultural innovation. These include genetic solutions for disease resistance, improved yields, enhanced nutritional quality, improved stress response, etc. The volume also, importantly, takes an in-depth look at the effect of climate change on diseases and insect pests of millet crops. Millets: Exploring the Underutilized Potential for Sustainable Agriculture stands as a comprehensive guide that bridges the gap between the potential of millets and their actualization in sustainable farming practices. It is a valuable resource for researchers, farmers, policymakers, and anyone passionate about the intersection of agriculture, sustainability, and resilience. This book is not just an exploration of millets; it is a roadmap for a more sustainable and secure future for agriculture and food systems worldwide. Covers historical, nutritional, and ecological significance of millets. Addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by millet cultivation. Covers plant protection aspects, cutting-edge technology, and breeding methodologies for overall sustainability of agricultural systems.