Why in news?

Ten elephants from a herd of thirteen have tragically died in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve over the past three days.

Forest officials suspect the deaths were caused by “mycotoxins associated with kodo millet,” also known as 'Varagu,' a grain that can be toxic under specific conditions.

What’s in today’s article?

• Kodo millet
• Why do kodo millets become poisonous?
• Mitigation Strategies for Kodo Millet Poisoning

Kodo Millet

• Origin, Cultivation, and Nutritional Value
  • Kodo millet, also known as Kodra or Varagu, is believed to have originated in India.
  • It is widely grown in regions such as India, Pakistan, and West Africa.
  • In India, Madhya Pradesh is a leading producer, with the crop thriving in arid, tropical, and subtropical regions on poor soils.
    • Apart from MP, the millet is cultivated in Gujarat, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and parts of Tamil Nadu.
  • It is a staple food for tribal and economically disadvantaged communities due to its drought tolerance, high yield, and nutrient-rich profile, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.
• Health Benefits and Culinary Uses of Kodo Millet
  • Kodo millet is gluten-free, easy to digest, and may have anti-carcinogenic properties.
  • It is used to make traditional dishes like idli, dosa, porridge, rotis, and more.
  • Its dietary fiber supports digestive health, glucose absorption, and cholesterol management.
• Historical Cases of Kodo Millet Poisoning
  • The earliest recorded kodo millet poisoning case dates to 1922, involving human poisoning documented by Dr. Anand Swarup.
  • In the same year, a case of animal poisoning in a dog was also reported.
  • In 1983, a study noted the first documented case of elephant deaths from consuming kodo millet.
  • Research in 1985 identified the mycotoxin cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) in kodo millet as a cause of “kodua poisoning.”

Why do kodo millets become poisonous?

• Cyclopiazonic Acid Toxicity and Fungal Risks in Kodo Millet Cultivation
  • A 2023 research paper highlights that kodo millet, primarily cultivated in dry and semi-arid regions, is vulnerable to certain environmental conditions that can lead to increased crop loss and risk of poisoning.
  • During spring and summer, millets become more susceptible to fungal infections, especially from ergot fungi, which can grow in the ear heads of kodo millet.
  • This fungal infection produces cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), a mycotoxin linked to "kodo poisoning,".
• Causes and Impact of Kodo Millet Poisoning
  • Kodo poisoning, locally known as ‘Matawna Kodoo’ or ‘Matona Kodo’ in northern India, often occurs when rainfall during the grain's maturation or harvest leads to fungal contamination.
  • Infected grains contain resilient mycotoxins that withstand standard food processing methods, making contaminated kodo millet unsafe for consumption.
• Impact of the toxic grain on animals
  • It affects the nervous, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems.
  • Key symptoms include vomiting, dizziness, unconsciousness, rapid pulse, cold extremities, limb tremors, and in severe cases, cardiomyocyte damage and liver dysfunction.
  • CPA disrupts calcium signaling in the heart, leading to heart muscle lesions and impaired function.
  • It can also cause gastrointestinal inflammation by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the intestines.
  • Animal studies have shown similar toxic effects, with mice displaying depression and loss of mobility, mirroring symptoms observed in affected elephants.
• Detection of Fungal Infection in Kodo Millets
  • Kodo millets are difficult to inspect for toxicity with the naked eye, as they may appear fresh but contain harmful mycotoxins due to high moisture and other factors.
  • To detect poisoning, chemical trace analysis is required.
  • Mycotoxins in kodo millets can be identified through advanced chromatographic methods such as thin-layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC/MS).
  • However, due to their time-consuming nature, rapid and cost-effective methods like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), lateral flow assays (LFAs), and biosensors are gaining popularity for on-site detection.

Mitigation Strategies for Kodo Millet Poisoning

• Researchers recommend using biocontrol agents, such as non-toxigenic fungal strains, to combat fungal development and mycotoxin production in kodo millet fields.
• These biological control methods can be effective for long-term management.
• Additionally, farmers are advised to adopt good agricultural practices and post-harvest management techniques, including sorting and storing grains in airtight containers to reduce mycotoxins.
• To prevent fungal spread, harvested millet should be kept dry and sheltered from rain, and old practices like moistening plants before threshing should be stopped.
• Removing infected grains can further help limit disease spread.