Millet Waste Valorization and Circular Economy Approaches
摘要
Millets are widely recognized for their rich nutritional profile and diverse health benefits. This chapter focuses on the valorization of millet processing residues such as straw, husk or hull, bran, and broken grains, which were traditionally regarded as waste. These materials possess significant potential to be transformed into value-added products and are increasingly referred to as millet by-products due to their functional and economic importance. Millet by-products are rich sources of bioactive compounds and antioxidants and can be effectively utilized in poultry and cattle feed formulations. They can also be converted into organic manure, contributing to improved soil health and enhanced agricultural productivity. In addition, these by-products offer promising applications in the production of bioethanol, biogas, bio-fertilizers, and biodegradable materials, providing eco-friendly alternatives to conventional resources. Emerging uses include sustainable packaging materials derived from the polymeric structure of millet residues. Overall, this chapter discusses various strategies for millet waste valorization, emphasizing sustainable agricultural practices, improved nutrient cycling, and environmentally friendly farming systems.