Millet's Role in Sustainable Agriculture: A Comprehensive Review
Sunita Choudhary, Anasuya Boruah, Net Ram, Shani Gulaiya, Charan Singh Choudhary, C. S. Vidhya, Lalit Verma
Abstract
Sustainable agriculture has become a global imperative, seeking to balance food production with environmental conservation and socio-economic well-being. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted role of millet in sustainable agriculture, shedding light on its potential to address these complex challenges. Millet, often considered a "forgotten crop," offers a unique set of attributes that contribute to sustainable farming practices. This review covers millet's historical significance, climate resilience, impact on biodiversity and soil health, nutritional value, economic contributions, and its role in promoting sustainable farming practices. Additionally, it discusses challenges and constraints that need to be addressed and highlights opportunities and future prospects for millet in the context of sustainable agriculture. Through case studies and critical analysis, we present an in-depth understanding of millet's importance in sustainable agriculture, urging for greater awareness, research, and policy support to fully realize its potential.