Vol. 8, Special Issue 9, Part P (2024)

This research examines the Physico-Chemical and Nutritional compositions of the biofortified pearl millet varieties, Dhanshakti and AHB-1200, compared to a control variety. The results showed that Dhanshakti had superior grain dimensions and thousand kernel weight, while AHB-1200 exhibited higher bulk and true densities. In terms of nutritional composition, AHB-1200 had significantly increased fat content, while Dhanshakti had higher levels of protein (11.46%) and carbohydrates (74.15%), making it a potential functional food for addressing malnutrition. Mineral analysis indicated that Dhanshakti had elevated levels of iron (84.43 mg/kg) and calcium (918.2 mg/kg), which can help mitigate micronutrient deficiencies. However, both biofortified varieties also presented higher levels of anti-nutritional factors, such as phytic acid and polyphenols, which may affect nutrient absorption. Overall, the nutritional profiles of Dhanshakti and AHB-1200 demonstrate their potential to improve dietary quality. These findings highlight the importance of biofortified pearl millet varieties in enhancing food security and nutrition, particularly in regions susceptible to malnutrition. Further research is necessary to explore processing methods that could reduce the effects of anti-nutritional factors while maximizing nutritional benefits.