Nutritional Diversity of Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica) From North Maharashtra

Abstract

This comprehensive study evaluates the nutritional variability in Setaria italica (foxtail millet) across 15 geographically distinct locations of North Maharashtra, a region recognized for its agro-biodiversity and tribal agricultural heritage. The investigation was carried out to quantify and compare the levels of key macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, fat, and ash content, which are vital indicators of the grain's nutritional quality and food value. Standardized biochemical methods were employed—Kjeldahl method for protein analysis, Anthrone method for carbohydrate estimation, Soxhlet extraction for fat quantification, and dry ashing in a muffle furnace for determining total ash content. Each accession was represented by data from five randomly selected plants to ensure statistical reliability and minimize sampling bias. The results demonstrated substantial inter-accessional variation, with protein content ranging from 8.5 to 13.5 g/100g, carbohydrates from 61.6 to 70.65 g/100g, fat content from 2.9 to 3.75 g/100g, and ash content from 2.7 to 3.05 g/100g. Among all accessions, the sample from Dhadgaon emerged as the most nutritionally superior, showing peak values in both protein and carbohydrate content, alongside consistently high fat and ash levels. This accession may be considered a potential candidate for biofortification, functional food formulation, and climate-resilient crop development. The nutritional diversity observed among the accessions highlights the genetic richness and adaptive variation inherent in North Maharashtra’s foxtail millet germplasm. These findings emphasize the importance of conserving and promoting region-specific landraces for their role in addressing nutritional security, especially in marginal and rain fed agro-ecosystems. The study also contributes baseline data for breeding programs, value chain development, and policy-level interventions aimed at mainstreaming millets in public distribution and nutrition-sensitive agriculture.