Variability and trait‐specific accessions for grain yield and nutritional traits in germplasm of little millet ( <i>Panicum sumatrense</i> Roth. Ex. Roem. &amp; Schult.)

Little millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth. Ex. Roem. & Schult.), a member of the grass family Poaceae, is native to India. It nutritionally superior major cereals, grows well on marginal lands, and can withstand drought waterlogging conditions. Two-hundred diverse little landraces were characterized assess variability for agronomic nutritional traits identify promising accessions. Highly significant variabilitywas found all the grain nutrient traits. Accessions robusta high yielding whereas those nana rich in grain nutrients. About 80% accessions showed consistent protein zinc (Zn) contents whereas iron (Fe) calcium (Ca) contents less (29.5 and 63.5%, respectively) over 2 yr. Promising trait-specific identified for greater seed weight (10 accessions), yield (15), biomass (15), and consistently nutrients (30) yr (R2 = .69–.74, P ≤ .0001). A few accessions two or more (IPmr 449 Fe, Zn, Ca, protein; IPmr 981 Zn protein). Five 855, 974, 877, 897, 767) also Ca. Consumption 100 g millet grains potentially contribute recommended dietary allowance up to 28% 37% Zn, 27% protein. Multilocation evaluation accessions across different soil types, fertility levels, climatic conditions would help to valuable direct release as cultivar use millet improvement.