Challenges, Potentialities, and Perspectives of Millet Processing and Its Techno-Economic Viability
摘要
Millets are increasingly recognized for their exceptional nutritional profile, climate resilience, and potential to ensure food and nutrition security, especially in semi-arid and rainfed regions. Despite their long-standing use in traditional diets, millets remain underutilized due to technological and economic challenges in processing. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the nutritional and functional attributes of major and minor millets, focusing on their macronutrient, micronutrient, and bioactive compound content. Current millet processing technologies are categorized into two major areas: primary (cleaning, dehulling, milling) and secondary (fermentation, malting, extrusion, and emerging innovations). The chapter critically examines key challenges such as hard seed coats, lack of industrial-scale machinery, low consumer awareness, and nutrient losses during processing. Advances in hydrothermal treatment, germination, fermentation, extrusion, and high-pressure processing are presented as viable solutions to improve digestibility, reduce antinutritional factors, and enhance product shelf life. Further, the chapter evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of millet processing by assessing return on investment (ROI), cost-benefit analysis, and scalability for startups and Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises of India (MSMEs), especially in the Indian context. Government initiatives like PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME), National Food Security Mission (NFSM), and Agri-Infrastructure Fund are highlighted for their support in establishing millet-based enterprises. The role of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Food Processing Incubation Centers is emphasized for decentralizing processing and value addition. Finally, the chapter emphasizes the importance of integrating novel processing technologies with supportive policy frameworks and market linkages to fully harness the potential of millets. The chapter envisions a roadmap for millet processing that merges nutritional benefits with economic viability, contributing to sustainable diets, rural livelihoods, and global food system resilience.