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Context

• Genes that can increase the grain size of sorghum, a versatile grain crop used for human consumption, fodder and bioenergy generation, have been discovered, according to a new report by Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Findings of the Report

• About 80 per cent of the crop’s grain size characteristics depend on genes, and can thus be inherited.
• As many as 125 regions in the sorghum genome have now been identified where variation in the DNA sequence was associated with grain size and response to environmental conditions.

About

• Sorghum, also called great millet, Indian millet, is cereal grain plant of the grass family (Poaceae) and its edible starchy seeds. Sorghum plants are very hardy and can withstand high temperature and drought conditions.
• The plant originated in Africa, where it is a major food crop. The variety of the crop found in India is called jowar tthat originated here.
• The grain is popular across the world because it has a low glycaemic index, is gluten-free and nutritious.
• Note: The lower the glycemic index of a cereal, the lower is the relative rise in blood glucose level after two hours of consuming it.
• The key varieties of millets include Sorghum, Pearl Millet, Ragi, Small Millet, Foxtail Millet, Barnyard Millet, Kodo Millet and others.
• Jowar has a dedicated All-India Coordinated Research Project since 1969.

Top 10 Jowar producers in India

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/agriculture/turmeric-soaps-pave-way-for-financial-independence-of-koraput-s-tribal-women-79422

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