2024, Vol. 7, Special Issue 9

author(s)
Mahantesh B Nagangoudar, Ashoka P, Lohithashwa KM, Jyoti Jadipujari, Hemareddy Thimmareddy, Koyi Jyothsna, Sneha MA, Kotresh DJ and Manjunath Madhukar Mopagar

abstract
Major cereals viz., rice, maize, wheat, etc., though capable of meeting food demands pose major concern in their production with high demand for external inputs. Continuous consumption of these crops is inviting many health issues as they are supplying only limited nutrition. Though, minor millets are being cultivated since ages in India as integral part of sustainable farming for their high nutritiousness, yet the value they fetch in the market is too low for a grower to lead a comfortable life. This is creating a wider socio-economic gap between the marginal and commercial farmers. Hence, there is an urgent need for a crop that can suffice both the hunger with high nutritional quality and can fetch higher returns for the farmer. Teff is one such minor millet native of Ethiopia where it is cultivated and consumed as staple food for about 50 percent population of the country. It is an intriguing grain, rich in nutrition compared to other cereals and is free of gluten and capable of yielding potentially higher even on marginal soils. Teff was introduced to India by CFTRI, Mysore for the benefit of both consumer and farmer, yet promotion and cultivation of Teff in India is still at infant stage as less is known about the crop and lack of any standard package of practices available for its cultivation. The present article is a brief review of the importance and agronomic practices of teff crop in a view to promote its cultivation and consumption in India.