Natural Products

Pearl Millet (bajri)

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is the most widely cultivated millet, especially important in Africa and Asia for its drought and heat resistance. It thrives even in poor soils and has high yield potential under stress. Nutritionally, it’s rich in fiber, calcium, and phosphorus, aiding in weight loss, gallstone prevention, and bone health. In Gujarat, it is grown in kharif, semi-rabi, and summer seasons. The Main Millet Research Station in Jamnagar leads pearl millet research in the state, focusing on cultivar development, agronomy, plant protection, and seed technology.

Energy (Kcal)

Protein

Carbohydrate

Crude Fibre

Iron

Calcium

361

11.6 g

65.5 g

1.2 g

42 mg

8.0 mg

TABLE: Pearl Millet Nutrient per 100g

SORGHUM

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), known as the “King of Millets,” is a vital staple crop in semi-arid regions. It’s rich in carbohydrates and slow-digesting starch, with natural antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress. Traditionally, farmers used low-yielding, pest-susceptible local varieties, but due to low returns and grain mold issues in high rainfall areas like South Gujarat, improved varieties like GJ 38, GJ 42, and Gujarat Navsari Jowar-1 are now being adopted.

In North Gujarat, new drought-tolerant and pest-resistant varieties such as GJ 39, GFS 5, and CSV 21F have replaced old types like Malvan. In **Kutchh

Energy (Kcal)

Protein

Carbohydrate

Crude Fibre

Iron

Calcium

349

10.4 g

72.6 g

1.6 g

42 mg

4.1 mg

TABLE: Sorghum Nutrient per 100g

SMALL MILLETS

The Hill Millet Research Station in Dahod is the only AAU center focused on minor millets like finger, kodo, proso, little, foxtail, and barnyard millet. Located in a tribal region where farmers can’t afford high-input crops, it supports food security through low-cost, nutrient-tolerant millets. Recognized by ICAR and the Gujarat government, the center has developed several high-yielding millet varieties to promote sustainable farming and livelihoods.

Energy (Kcal)

Protein (g)

Carbohydrate

Crude Fibre(mg)

Iron

Calcium (mg)

331

12.30

60.9

14

31

3.6

TABLE: Millet Nutritive value per 100g

Millet

Barnyard

Kodo

Proso

Little

Millet

Millet

Millet

341

302

309

314

7.7

8.03

8.3

10.13

67.0

7.6

17

9.3

9.9

22.0

8.5

69.9

9.0

7.72

65.55

65.9

27

0.5

1.3

32.0

LITTLE MILLETS

Little Millet (Panicum miliare) is a traditional crop grown across India and closely related to proso millet, though it has much smaller seeds. Its low carbohydrate content, slow digestibility, and low water-soluble gum make it beneficial for glucose metabolism, as it releases sugar gradually into the bloodstream, helping to control blood sugar levels effectively.

Millet