Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

GENETIC RESOURCES OF BARNYARD MILLET: ENHANCED UTILIZATION IN BREEDING PROGRAMS

Ikkurti Gopinath

Abstract

Policy interventions that promote food diversification aim to supply and provide access to nutrient rich foods apart from usually consumed staple crops. Small millets hold promise in ensuring food diversity and minimise food-energy malnutrition. Being good source of nutrients, they are the future of snack industry considering rise in health-conscious consumers. Barnyard millet is used for food and fodder. End use application of barnyard millet could be enhanced by information on genomic resources and germplasms available for application of breeding practices.