Evaluation of nutritional composition in finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) genotypes

Abstract

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is a nutrient-dense, climate-resilient cereal crop that plays a crucial role in sustaining food and nutritional security in semi-arid regions of India. Known for its rich content of calcium, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds, finger millet contributes to improved metabolic health and reduced risks of non-communicable diseases. Despite its importance, there is limited systematic evaluation of the nutritional diversity among genotypes grown in Telangana, one of the major finger millet-producing regions. The present study investigated the proximate composition of six finger millet genotypes cultivated during the rabi (Yasangi) season of 2020 at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Palem, PJTSAU, Telangana, under a randomized block design with three replications. Grain samples were processed into flour and analyzed for moisture, protein, fat, fiber, ash, and carbohydrate contents using standard AOAC protocols. Significant variation was recorded among the genotypes, with moisture content ranging from 9.82% to 12.65%, carbohydrates from 70.10% to 76.42%, protein from 4.42% to 6.37%, fat from 1.24% to 2.19%, crude fiber from 2.31% to 8.56%, and ash from 2.11% to 2.80%. Among the tested genotypes, VR 1099 was distinguished by superior nutritional values, showing the highest carbohydrate (76.42%), protein (6.37%), fat (2.19%), and ash (2.80%) contents, whereas VR 1174 exhibited an exceptionally high fiber content (8.56%). These findings reveal the presence of substantial nutritional variability among finger millet genotypes cultivated under semi-arid conditions, highlighting their potential for targeted dietary applications and genetic improvement. Genotypes with superior profiles, such as VR 1099 and VR 1174, could serve as valuable candidates for functional food development, biofortification, and breeding strategies aimed at enhancing dietary quality. Overall, the study emphasizes the role of finger millet as a sustainable, health-promoting cereal that can contribute to improved nutrition and resilience in dryland farming systems.