Developing resources for the improvement of underutilised crops: focus on millets

This symposium sought to understand and address the reasons why the human population relies on such a small number of food crops. With just 20 plant species providing 90% of the global food supply, it is imperative to increase the diversity of crops we use to improve resilience, adaptation, and mitigation to environmental change, and to provide new avenues for improving diet and human health.

Millet species are particularly interesting as they are well-adapted to dry and warm environments. Of note is Tef (Eragrostis tef) which is a critical component of food security for more than 60 million people in the horn of Africa. Tef is also of increasing interest to many people across Europe, including the UK, as the grains are rich in micronutrients, high in resistant starch, and gluten free.

The symposium provided an ideal environment for leading academics and early career researchers working on different millets to discuss and exchange ideas on the biochemical and genetic bases of their health-promoting nutrient compositions.  In addition, genetic solutions for the developmental and agronomic constraints that limit the productivity of these nutritious crops were explored.

The symposium was highly productive in terms of fostering new collaborations and strengthening existing ones, and resulted in clear pathways to the further exchange of resources and ideas. A specific outcome was the adoption by the group of a mission: To unlock the potential of tef as a climate-resilient and nutritious crop to drive agricultural and food system diversification globally, while enhancing its value and impact for Ethiopia. Collaborative responses to funding calls are being co-ordinated, with further meetings being planned.

Professor Mike Gooding, Aberystwyth University (Rank Prize Nutrition Committee)

Dr Aiswarya Girija, IBERS, Aberystwyth University

Dr Oluwaseyi Shorinola, University of Birmingham

Dr Stéphanie M. Swarbreck, NIAB