eng Enviro Research Publishers Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science Journal 2347-467X 2322-0007 2025-11-20 13 3 1106 1126 10.12944/CRNFSJ.13.3.5 24378 article Nikhita Ramesh Boda 1 Afiya Sayed Kadri 1 Ananthan Rajendran 2 Santosh Kumar Banjara 3 Sourav Sen Gupta 4 Paras Sharma 5 Department of Clinical Epidemiology, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India Department of Food Chemistry, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India Department of Maternal and Child Health Nutrition, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, USA Department of Food Technology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, India In the realm of nutritional science, Finger Millet (Ragi), rich in essential nutrients, stands out as a powerful ally against childhood malnutrition. Revered for its protein content (7-8g) with vital amino acids, minerals especially calcium (364-400mg), dietary fiber (11-12%), diverse array of phytonutrients contribute to overall well-being. Yet, amidst its nutritional splendor, harbors antinutrients notably tannins and phytates can hinder mineral absorption that can be reduced by a spectrum of processing techniques (soaking, boiling, sprouting, roasting, fermentation). In addition, Ragi enhances colonic microbial diversity. Ultimately, offering a diverse culinary application that blends tradition and modernity. This review navigates through its nutritional composition, strategies to mitigate antinutrients, its positive impact on gut microbiome and malnutrition. Embarking on a journey that spans the interdisciplinary domains of agronomy, food science, and public health, this study underscores the imperative of integrating Finger Millet into dietary paradigms. Such integration aims not only to elevate nutritional outcomes but also to fortify the resilience of food ecosystems. By delving into the socio-economic and cultural details surrounding cultivation and consumption, this review advocates for concerted efforts to harness the nutritional potential of this Indigenous grain, tackling the urgent challenge of undernutrition while fostering robust food security systems. https://www.foodandnutritionjournal.org/volume13number3/unlocking-the-potential-of-finger-millet-in-child-nutrition-an-overview-of-nutritional-power-processing-methods-and-policy-frameworks-for-strategic-interventions/ Ant Nutritional Factors Bioavailability Child Growth Dietary Fiber Finger Millet Gut Microbiota Processing Techniques Undernutrition