Exploring the chemical characteristics of different pearl millet varieties

Abstract:

Pearl millet is a highly versatile and resilient cereal crop, widely cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions due to its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions. This grain is a rich source of essential nutrients, including proteins, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, particularly iron, zinc, and phosphorus. Pearl millet exhibits significant genetic diversity, contributing to variations in its nutritional profile and agronomic traits. The present study was undertaken to investigate the chemical characteristics of five different varieties of pearl millet. The evaluation of five different varieties viz; Pusa composite (383), Pusa composite (701), Dhanshakti, MBC-2 and Local variety for chemical parameters crude fat, crude fibre, carbohydrates, calcium, iron, zinc and phosphorus content was carried out. The highest crude fat (5.96%), crude fibre (2.43%), calcium (42.13 mg/100 g), iron (8.16 mg/100 g), zinc (4.17 mg/ 100 g) and phosphorous content (333.82 mg/ 100 g) content were exhibited by Dhanshakti variety whereas the lowest were recorded in Local variety.