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Pearl millet is the most drought tolerant warm season coarse grain cereal grown on 26 million ha in some of the harshest semi-arid tropical environments of south Asia and sub-Sahara Africa. India has the largest area (varying between 9-10 million ha) under pearl millet which is at third rank after rice and wheat. Pearl millet is often grown on infertile soils and under water-limited conditions where no other cereal crop can be successfully grown. Its is valued for both grain and stover as its grain is the major source of dietary carbohydrates of human diet in western India and stover forms the basis of livestock ration during the dry period of year in north Indian states. Its grains have high protein content, balanced amino acid profile, and high levels of iron, zinc and insoluble dietary fiber.