National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development

A comparative study carried out on nutritional and popping qualities of 11 cultivars of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) varieties have showed significant difference in popping yield, with highest mean popping yield of 73.6 %. Final popped product obtained is crunchy and ready-to-eat with proximate composition comprising 11.1% protein, 6.49% fat, 3.49% crude fibers, 3.19% ash, 74.05% carbohydrate and 1.90% moisture. This paper also highlights the significant reduction in phytic acid which comes down from 404.69 mg/100g in raw grains to 261.45mg/100 g in popped grain. Based on popping characteristics and nutritional value five varieties, viz. CZP 9802, PC 443, PC 1201, PC 701 and PC 383 were found to have better popping and nutritional traits and can be exploited for novel product development that will help in diversifying this nutri-grain use and will be beneficial for human health and increase profits to farmers.

Background: With growing prioritization on adolescent health and incorporation of adolescent component in the National programme for mother and child, it is time we develop region wise growth charts for them. The objective of the study was to assess the growth pattern of adolescent school girl’s aged 13 and 14 years old belonging to different socio-economic backgrounds using simple anthropometric measurements.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 468 girl students. The sample comprised 13 and 14 year old girls studying in four schools representative of different socioeconomic backgrounds in Bangalore, Karnataka. Simple anthropometric measurement were performed and compared with WHO/IAP and ICMR reference standards.Results: The anthropometric measurements (weight, height and BMI of girls) in the four schools showed similar trends but were not comparable with the reference guidelines.Conclusions: There is a need to revise and develop regional guidelines for growth charts.