The genetic diversity and nutritional quality of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) and its Philippine ecotype, the ancient grain “kabog millet”: A review

Background: Climate change and biodiversity loss will push us to revolutionise and transform our existing food systems to feed the global population and provide sustainable nutrition. Alternative crops such as proso millet present a viable option to diversify our diet and contribute to food security. Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is nutritious but is not a widely popular food grain in developed countries. This review provides existing relevant information on the genetic diversity and nutritional properties of proso millet. This paper also presents additional current information on the “kabog millet”, an ancient grain from Cebu, Philippines, considered an ecotype of proso millet. The nutritional profiles of these ancient grains should be emphasised because farmers tend to abandon cultivation of these ancient grains in the absence of nutritional data. By understanding the nutritional profile of “kabog millet” and other ancient grains, the local diets could be redesigned to incorporate these crops for a more complete and balanced nutrition. Main conclusions: Proso millet offers a resilient, nutritious crop in the face of climate change. Nutritional analyses of proso millet varieties and other minor crops are tools to encourage farmers and growers to cultivate them and for consumers to integrate these crops in the diet. Without nutritional studies, many minor crops will be overlooked and will soon be forgotten. The inclusion and consumption of ancient grains like “kabog millet” as staple food can help address the challenge of food insecurity by providing more balanced diets, and biodiversity loss by encouraging cultivation of overlooked and often forgotten plant varieties.