EXTRACTION AND PHYTHO CHEMICAL SCREENING OF GRAINS OF SETARIA ITALICA

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is one of the oldest cultivated millet crops and is widely grown in semi-arid and arid regions due to its excellent adaptability to harsh climatic condition. It is a drought-tolerant, short-duration crop that requires minimal water and agricultural inputs, making it highly suitable for sustainable and climate- resilient farming system. Nutritionally, foxtail millet is rich in dietary fibre, protein, essential minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, and has a low glycemic index, making it beneficial for people with diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. It also contains antioxidants and phytochemical that contribute to improved metabolic health. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in foxtail millet due to increasing awareness of healthy eating and sustainable agriculture. It plays an important role in ensuring food and nutritional security, particularly in developing countries. The crop also supports biodiversity and soil health while reducing dependency on water-intensive cereals like rice and wheat. Therefore, foxtail millet is considered a promising crop for addressing future challenges related to climate change, nutrition, and sustainable food systems.