Millets: A Nutritional benefit as well Economically feasible

Millets are a group of small-grained cereal crops that are highly resistant to extreme weather conditions, which can be grown with Minimum required inputs such as Fertilizers, Pesticides, etc. Millets are both versatile and Healthy Alternatives as they can be both gluten-free and non-allergenic. They are nutritious and are known to have high nutritional values such as Proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals such as Iron, Zinc, Potassium, and magnesium.

Status of Millet Production in India:-

• India produces more than 170 lakh Tonnes of Millet which accounts for 80% of Asia's and 20% of Global Production.

• It produces all 9 Varieties of millet and is the largest producer and 5th largest exporter.

• It has even accounted for a 27% growth in its production in the year 2021-22.

• India's major producing states are Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

Health Benefits of Millets Include:-

1. It has higher nutrient content such as fiber, minerals, vitamins, etc. Which aids in fighting malnutrition. Eg. Ragi is a type of millet that has 8x more calcium content than wheat.

2. They are Gluten-free which helps in feeding diabetic patients as well.

3. They are Anti-carcinogenic which prevents Hypertension and also helps in preventing obesity and heart- diseases.

4. It reduces Inflammation and Improves digestion.

Economic Security:-

1. These are Famine Reserves as it grows in a short duration of 65 days and can sustain up to 2 years.

2. It needs low investment as less number of fertilizers & pesticides are required for its growth. It also promotes organic farming.

3. Millet crops are widely used in Anganwadis, and the PM-POSHAN scheme to reduce malnutrition and enrich protein diet.

4. It provides for Higher Export demand and the opportunity to earn revenue.

Ecological Benefits of Millets:-

It is a carbon-sequestering crop that is less water-intensive which in turn makes it drought and heat tolerant and also grows in areas with 350mm or less rainfall.

Challenges faced are:-

1. The disproportionate focus on Rice & Wheat.

2. Lack of awareness about the benefits of millet.

3. Stereotypical distributions such as millet are yet seen as a poor person's diet.

4. Changes in dietary habits

5. Post-Harvest treatment is low.

6. Lower productivity

7. Monoculture of Ragi

8. The near absence of production support.

Government Measures to Promote Millets Cultivation:-

• Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millet Promotion. (INSIMP)

• Integrated cereals Development program inclusion of 'Nutri-cereals' in PDS & MDM.

• Increasing MSP of Millets-Incentivise cultivation.

• 2018- the year was declared as the National year of millets. Subsequently for 2023, the UN Declared it as the International Year of Millets.

Way Forward:-

1. Use of millets in packaged food by- Opening new forms of opportunities.

2. Inclusion of millet-based foods in feeding programs- Overcome nutrition deficiencies.

3. Integration with other schemes- ICDS, PDS, etc.

4. Promote Hotspots- Eg. Mandia, and Dindori in Madhya Pradesh.

5. Encouraging Acceptability- Preparing composite food.