Conservation and Utilization Status of Small Millets in Nepal

Millets are small seeded cereals grown for human consumption and animal feed in various African and Asian countries. They have an excellent nutritional properties and are less vulnerable to biotic and abiotic stresses compare to other major staples including rice, wheat, and maize. Major small millets grown in Nepal include finger millet, proso millet, and foxtail millet. There are thousands of germplasm accessions of these millets in Nepal either in ex situ or at on-farm conditions yet to be explored and utilized. These millets are neglected from policy makers, researchers, development workers, and even by farming communities. Conservation and utilization of these millets for their genetic improvement could increase food and nutrition security of the country. In this chapter, we introduce the nutritional significance and climate-resilient properties of these millets, highlight their production, conservation and utilization status in Nepal, and discuss challenges and opportunities for their genetic improvement in Nepalese context.