The role of minor cereals in food and nutrition security in Bangladesh: constraints to sustainable production

Minor cereals are becoming increasingly important for global food security because of their high nutritional value and their tolerance to environmental stresses. In adverse agrosystems, these crops are often more promising than the major cereals. Considering the climate change effect on a number of major cereals, minor cereals are becoming popular in Asian countries. In Bangladesh, minor cereals have been cultivated on a small-scale for a long time, but limited information is available on their growth, yield, and the possibility of expanding the cultivated area. This study evaluated the status and potential of minor cereals using secondary data, GIS mapping, and structured survey questionnaires. Currently, minor cereals are grown on around 4813 ha of land. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) alone accounts for 63.0% of the area cultivated, followed by proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) 28.2%, barley (Hordeum vulgare) 7.5%, pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) 0.6%, and oats (Avena sativa) 0.6%. The current yield of minor cereals is low, around 2.0 t ha−1. The crops are mostly grown on marginal lands formed by river siltation, locally called char lands. Minor cereal farmers take advantage of the low production costs, including inputs, relatively simple cultural practices, and minimal risks of crop loss from natural hazards to grow minor cereals. Mainly low yield levels and lack of high-yielding varieties and production technologies limit large-scale cultivation of minor cereals. Strengthening research to develop high-yielding, climate-resilient varieties of minor cereals and improved agronomic management methods and raising farmers’ awareness about their nutritional value and economic benefits will be needed to ensure their sustainable production and extension.