Grain amaranth: Naturally gluten-free superfood grain

Abstract

Grain amaranth, a minor and underutilized potential crop, has become a life support species, having genetic tolerance to survive under harsh conditions and possessing qualities of nutritional and industrial importance for a variety of purposes for the present as well as future needs of mankind. On the other hand, the cultivation of grain amaranth is restricted to remote areas, mainly by the poor farming communities who have limited access to modern agro-inputs. Now-a-days, this crop is being promoted globally as a nutritive food crop or potential crop of the future. Although, this crop is still not in the main stream cultivation practices in India and the world. As the planet is expecting a massive increase in human population and global climate change, we firmly believe that
this widely distributed, ancient, protein-rich grain amaranth has a potential to augment our food system and demand in the future. By adopting improved varieties, the yield of grain amaranth in both hills and plains can be substantially increased.