Millets in Sustainable Agriculture : Genetic Improvement, Nutritional Quality, Cultivation, and Integrated Pest-Disease Management

As nutrient-dense, climate-resilient crops capable of thriving under drought and other environmental stresses, millets are increasingly recognized as vital to sustainable agriculture, food security, and nutritional well-being worldwide. This book provides a comprehensive examination of sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, and small millets. Written by leading experts, the volume offers an integrated perspective on the scientific and practical approaches needed to strengthen millet production and utilization in diverse agricultural systems. The book explores the taxonomy, domestication, genomics, and breeding of millet crops, covering both conventional and modern genetic improvement strategies, including molecular breeding and biotechnology. It also highlights the nutritional and nutraceutical value of millets, examining grain quality traits such as protein, starch, minerals, vitamins, and opportunities for nutritional enhancement and fortification. Chapters also cover seed priming, planting density, nutrient management, biofertilizers, irrigation strategies, harvesting methods, postharvest handling, and integrated pest and disease management approaches.