Supplementary Value of Varying Levels of Redgram (Cajanus cajan) to Poor Diets Based on Rice and Ragi

Abstract

The diets consumed by a large majority of the population in the developing countries are based on cereals and millets, roots and tubers and certain small amounts of legumes and negligible amounts of milk and other animal foods. Such diets are deficient in protein, certain vitamins and minerals and do not promote optimal growth of children. In view of the practical difficulties involved in increasing milk production in these countries; attempts are being made to use processed protein foods based on plant proteins viz. oilseed meals and legumes and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals as supplements to the diets of children.