Vol. 10, Issue 12 (2021)

Author(s):
DV Bhargav, Abhishek Chitranashi, Ansheef Ali TP and Shelly Praveen

Abstract:
Food security is the major challenge being faced by the developing world, especially in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Diversification in terms of food habits and agricultural by incorporating millets along with other regular cereals will provide a safe option for overcoming the problem of food scarcity. Among millets, pearl millet has received major focus owing to its excellent nutritional composition. Despite nutritionally rich and high medicinal value, the full potential of pearl millet is limited, due to high rancidity as a result of lipase activity. The present study therefore aims to reduce lipolysis by inactivating lipases in pearl millet genotypes differing in seed coat colour viz. black, white and purple. Various physical treatments have been applied on selected genotypes like dry-heat treatment, microwave irradiation and vacuum packaging. Among, various treatments, Microwave treatment proved to be better than dry heat in reducing lipase activity. Microwaves are penetrating waves and heat up the grain evenly and reduced lipases by 26% in dhanshakti, 4% in WGI-100. Pusa purple 1 (purple) variety showed increase in lipase activity upon microwave by 23%. Decortication in dhanshakti reduced lipase activity by 6% with a loss of nutrients. Vacuum packaging increased lipase activity by 35% in dhanshakti and by 20% in WGI-100. Purple variety showed a decrease in lipase activity by 20%. Pusa purple 1 variety is best among the three varieties without treatment.