Unlocking the potential of Kodo millet: reviving an indigenous super grain for tomorrow's nutrition

G Jeeva; B Suhasini; Lydia Pramitha; J Poornima Jency; Pabitra Joshi; R Ravikesavan; Dinakaran Elango

doi:10.1007/s00425-024-04414-1

Unlocking the potential of Kodo millet: reviving an indigenous super grain for tomorrow's nutrition

Planta. 2024 May 1;259(6):140. doi: 10.1007/s00425-024-04414-1.

Authors

G Jeeva¹, B Suhasini², Lydia Pramitha³, J Poornima Jency⁴, Pabitra Joshi⁵, R Ravikesavan⁶, Dinakaran Elango⁷

Affiliations

¹ Scholar in Genetics and Plant Breeding, CPBG, TNAU, Coimbatore, 641003, India.
² KSNUAHS, Shivamogga, 577204, Karnataka, India.
³ Genetics and Plant Breeding, School of Agricultural Sciences, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, 641114, India. lydiapramitha@karunya.edu.
⁴ Genetics and Plant Breeding, Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, 642001, Pollachi, India.
⁵ Department of Plant Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83843, USA.
⁶ CPBG TNAU, Coimbatore, 641003, India.
⁷ Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.

PMID: 38691193
DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04414-1

Abstract

Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) is an underutilized crop that encompasses nutritional benefits and climate resilience, making it a viable option for future crop development with nutraceutical properties. The cultivation of this crop has ancient roots, where it was revered for its ability to thrive in times of famine and was a vital companion crop to rice. Dishes made with Kodo millet are highly palatable and can be easily integrated into mainstream rice-based dishes. Among all cereals, Kodo millet is distinguished by its gluten-free composition, high phosphorus content, and significant antioxidant potential, which contributes to a diet that may reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Often grown in rainfed zones by marginal farmers, Kodo millet is valued for its grain and fodder. This less demanding crop can tolerate both biotic and abiotic stress, allowing it to thrive in soils with low organic matter and with minimal inputs, making it an ideal dual-purpose crop for rainfed areas. Despite its nutritional and agricultural benefits, Kodo millet's popularity is hindered by challenges such as low yield, market demand, lodging at harvest, and poor dehulling recovery, which necessitate the development of high-yielding varieties through the latest breeding advancements. Systematic investment and concerted breeding efforts are essential to harness the full potential of this nutrient-dense crop. The absence of whole genome sequence for Kodo millet poses a barrier to uncovering novel genetic traits. Consequently, there is an imperative to establish a millet-based value chain that elevates these underutilized crops, shaping smart cropping patterns and enhancing nutritional profiles for sustainable diets. Accordingly, this review highlights the significance of Kodo millet and the impact of breeding to establish it as a smart food choice for the future.

Keywords: Breeding insights and cytogenetics; Ethnobotany; Kodo omics; Smart crop.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Crops, Agricultural / genetics
Edible Grain* / genetics
Millets / genetics
Nutritive Value*
Plant Breeding