MILLETS: HISTORY AND DEMAND OF THE TIME

Millets are ancient small-seeded cereal crops that have sustained human populations for thousands of years, particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions of Asia and Africa. This review highlights the historical importance, domestication, cultural relevance, agro-biodiversity, nutritional value, and contemporary significance of millets and pseudo-millets in food systems. Millets are recognized for their drought tolerance, climate resilience, and suitability for low-input agricultural systems, making them valuable crops under changing environmental conditions. The review also discusses their superior nutritional profile, including dietary fibre, essential minerals, bioactive compounds, and low glycemic index, which support their role in addressing malnutrition, hidden hunger, and lifestyle-related disorders. In addition, the article examines the applications of millets in food technology and nutraceutical product development, such as bakery products, fermented foods, gluten-free formulations, dietary supplements, and fortified foods. Policy support, value-chain development, and renewed global attention, especially during the International Year of Millets 2023, have further strengthened the relevance of these crops. Overall, the review emphasizes that millets represent not only a link to traditional agriculture and culture but also a promising pathway toward sustainable, nutritious, and climate-resilient food systems.