

According to a WHO report of 2002, micronutrient malnutrition, resulting from defi ciency of important minerals such as iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), is a massive global problem, affl icting over 3 billion people worldwide (over half the world’s population), mostly women, infants and children in resourcepoor families of the developing countries. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is a major warm-season cereal grown on 26 million ha in some of the most marginal arid and semi-arid tropical environments of Asia and Africa. Pearl millet is a nutritious cereal with high levels of protein (12%), energy (3600 K cal kg-1 grain) and a balanced amino acid profi le – a major source of dietary energy for more than 90 million people in these environments and the cheapest source of grain Fe and Zn.