For millions of individuals in Africa, millet serves as their primary source of protein and energy. Its capacity to flourish in challenging climatic conditions, such as little rainfall, makes it a crucial meal. Additionally, millet offers a lot of nutritional and medicinal qualities. It is one of the most indigenous and significant cereal crops in Ghana, and it comes in several varieties like Pearl millet, Naara millet, and Early millet. The five northern regions have the highest potential for this crop growth.
Savannah Agricultural Research Institute of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-SARI)with support from the West Africa Agriculture Productivity Programme (WAAPP) released improved varieties of millet in 2015. The varieties include Akad-kom, Kanaati; Naad-Kohblug, WAAPNara, and Afribeh Nara and were meant for cultivation in all five regions in the north.
Millet is a small, round whole grain that tastes mildly corn-like and slightly sweeter than other grains. Fiber, iron, vitamin B, manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium are all nutrients found in millet. Of all cereal grains, it contains the most calcium. Due to its high alkaline content and lack of gluten, millet is very simple to digest.
Millet can be used to make bread, beer, cereal, and other dishes, however, in Ghana, Hausa Koko (porridge), Brukina, ZomKom, Foroforo (snack beverages), Maasa (deep-fried cake), and Tuo-Zafi (TZ) are made from millet. Naara is a grain crop that is highly nutritious and rich in micronutrients, particularly iron and zinc.
The insoluble fiber in millet known as a “prebiotic,” supports good bacteria in your digestive system. Niacin, which is essential for healthy skin and organ function, is abundant in millet. It’s a crucial element that is frequently added to processed foods as an enrichment. Additionally, a great source of beta-carotene is millet.
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This organic pigment supports the eyes and functions as both an antioxidant and a precursor to vitamin A, assisting your body in fending off free radicals. Other health advantages of millet include its ability to regulate blood sugar, keeps blood glucose level in check, and promote kidney and heart health.
