Milletisation & not Militarization will win the world
India had also taken several initiatives to promote the cultivation and consumption of millets
NewsBharati 24-Feb-2023 14:29:56 PM
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Millets which are a wonderful group of small-seeded grasses that are highly nutritious and have been an important food source for humans for thousands of years. They are rich in dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, and are gluten-free. Generally, seen in Tropical climate, Millets are drought-resistant plants which can grow in poor soil. This characteristics makes them an important crop for small farmers in developing countries. Incorporating millets into one's diet can help improve health and contribute to sustainable agriculture. Millets include a diverse group of nutritious cereals including pearl, proso, foxtail, barnyard, kodo, browntop, finger and Guinea millets, as well as fonio, sorghum and teff. Millets have also been a traditional staple food in almost all parts of India.
Millets in Hindi & English
Spearheaded by the Prime Minister, India played an noteworthy role in declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets which was put forth by the Government of India and endorsed by Members of FAO Governing Bodies; 26th Session of COAG;160th Session of FAO Council, and 41 FAO Conference. It was adopted by the 75th Session of the UN General Assembly in March 2021. The PM of India, Shri Narendra Modi has also shared his vision to make IYM 2023 a ‘People’s Movement’ alongside positioning India as the ‘Global Hub for Millets’.
The primary objective of this resolution was to raise awareness and direct policy action to the nutritional and health benefits of millets consumption and their suitability for cultivation under adverse and changing climatic conditions and draw focus for enhanced investments in R&D and extension services related to millets.
Thus, the International Year of Millets will provide a unique opportunity to help create greater awareness of millet production, contribute to food security, nutrition, ensure livelihoods and incomes of farmers, poverty eradication, particularly in regions that are drought-prone or threatened by climate change. In addition, it will also promote millets as a key component of the food basket of world and further strengthen the implementation of SDGs 2, 3, 12 and 13 respectively.
In this year’s budget too, Millets have been given a conspicuous position. The government has been committed to spread the use of millets. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her budget speech declared funding for turning the millet institution in Hyderabad into a centre of excellence.
In her speech, Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman referred to millets as "Sri Anna" and informed that the nation is already the second-largest producer of Shri Anna in the world and is positioned to become a millet centre for the entire world.
Earlier, the Government of India had also taken several initiatives to promote the cultivation and consumption of millets. Some of these initiatives include:
1. In 2018, the Government of India launched a National Programme on Nutri-cereals with focus on promoting the production, processing, and consumption of millets and other nutri-cereals.
2. In order to boost millet cultivation in the rain fed-areas and enhance the income of small farmers, the government has also introduced the Millets Mission.
3. The government has included millets in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure their availability and affordability to the masses.
4. The government has also launched a millet-based mid-day meal program in select states to improve the nutrition status of children.
5. The government has promoted the development of millet-based food products and their branding and marketing under the brand name "Nutri-Cereals."
6. As recent as week preceding the budget, PM Modi informed and motivated the citizens about Millets and innovative practices being followed to popularise Millets through his well-received Mann ki Baat programme on 29th January 2023.
All such initiatives are aimed at promoting the cultivation and consumption of millets, improving the income of farmers, and addressing issues like malnutrition in the country.
Incorporating millets into one's diet can help improve overall health and prevent chronic diseases. Millets are also low in Glycemic index, which means they release glucose slowly and steadily into the bloodstream, making them an ideal food for people with diabetes.
MILLETS AND NUTRITION
Millets are highly nutritious and are a good source of several essential nutrients. Here are some of the key nutrients found in millets:
Carbohydrates: Millets are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide energy and help in maintaining blood sugar levels.
Fibre: Millets are rich in dietary fibre, which is essential for maintaining gut health, reducing the risk of colon cancer, and lowering cholesterol levels.
Protein: Millets are a good source of protein, which is essential for the growth and repair of body tissues.
Vitamins: Millets are a good source of several vitamins, including vitamin B-complex, vitamin E, and vitamin K, which are essential for various functions in the body, including energy metabolism and blood clotting.
Minerals: Millets are rich in minerals like iron, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles.
Incorporating millets into one's diet can help meet the body's nutrient requirements and contribute to overall health and wellbeing.
Farmers & Cultivation challenges
Although Millets are highly nutritious and have several benefits, their cultivation also comes with some challenges. Some of the key challenges faced in millet cultivation are:
Low Yield: Millets have lower yields compared to other cereals like wheat and rice, which makes it less attractive to farmers.
Lack of Research: There has been relatively little research on millets compared to other crops, which has limited the development of high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties.
Inadequate Marketing: There is a lack of adequate marketing infrastructure for millets, which limits their value in the market.
Climate Change: Climate change has resulted in erratic rainfall patterns, droughts, and floods, which have affected millet cultivation.
Pest and Disease Incidence: Millets are susceptible to several pests and diseases, which can affect the yield and quality of the crop.
Way Forward
To address these challenges, Government of India has taken multipronged several initiatives to promote millet cultivation, including research and development of high-yielding varieties, providing better marketing infrastructure, and developing value chains. Additionally, the cultivation of millets is being promoted as a climate-resilient crop due to its ability to grow in harsh environments with low rainfall.
Specifically, introduction of all millets under PDS scheme is one major step which will create huge demand. This will give a boost to the production of all the millets and consequently, it will add to the existing income of the farmers.
Further, an assured procurement support with competitive prices to encourage diversification of areas will enhance the production of millets. Here it is important to state that through the Department of Food & Public Distribution (DFPD), State Governments are allowed to procure Jowar, Bajra, Maize & Ragi etc. from farmers at MSP.
To strengthen the production and productivity, support in the form of financial assistance to millets growing states under Mission Mode Program has also been envisaged.
In conclusion, millets are a highly nutritious and sustainable food that can play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals. By promoting the cultivation and consumption of millets, we can ensure food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Let us embrace millets as a superfood for a healthier and more sustainable world.
Millets in Hindi & English
Spearheaded by the Prime Minister, India played an noteworthy role in declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets which was put forth by the Government of India and endorsed by Members of FAO Governing Bodies; 26th Session of COAG;160th Session of FAO Council, and 41 FAO Conference. It was adopted by the 75th Session of the UN General Assembly in March 2021. The PM of India, Shri Narendra Modi has also shared his vision to make IYM 2023 a ‘People’s Movement’ alongside positioning India as the ‘Global Hub for Millets’.
The primary objective of this resolution was to raise awareness and direct policy action to the nutritional and health benefits of millets consumption and their suitability for cultivation under adverse and changing climatic conditions and draw focus for enhanced investments in R&D and extension services related to millets.
Thus, the International Year of Millets will provide a unique opportunity to help create greater awareness of millet production, contribute to food security, nutrition, ensure livelihoods and incomes of farmers, poverty eradication, particularly in regions that are drought-prone or threatened by climate change. In addition, it will also promote millets as a key component of the food basket of world and further strengthen the implementation of SDGs 2, 3, 12 and 13 respectively.
In this year’s budget too, Millets have been given a conspicuous position. The government has been committed to spread the use of millets. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her budget speech declared funding for turning the millet institution in Hyderabad into a centre of excellence.
In her speech, Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman referred to millets as "Sri Anna" and informed that the nation is already the second-largest producer of Shri Anna in the world and is positioned to become a millet centre for the entire world.
Earlier, the Government of India had also taken several initiatives to promote the cultivation and consumption of millets. Some of these initiatives include:
1. In 2018, the Government of India launched a National Programme on Nutri-cereals with focus on promoting the production, processing, and consumption of millets and other nutri-cereals.
2. In order to boost millet cultivation in the rain fed-areas and enhance the income of small farmers, the government has also introduced the Millets Mission.
3. The government has included millets in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure their availability and affordability to the masses.
4. The government has also launched a millet-based mid-day meal program in select states to improve the nutrition status of children.
5. The government has promoted the development of millet-based food products and their branding and marketing under the brand name "Nutri-Cereals."
6. As recent as week preceding the budget, PM Modi informed and motivated the citizens about Millets and innovative practices being followed to popularise Millets through his well-received Mann ki Baat programme on 29th January 2023.
All such initiatives are aimed at promoting the cultivation and consumption of millets, improving the income of farmers, and addressing issues like malnutrition in the country.
Incorporating millets into one's diet can help improve overall health and prevent chronic diseases. Millets are also low in Glycemic index, which means they release glucose slowly and steadily into the bloodstream, making them an ideal food for people with diabetes.
MILLETS AND NUTRITION
Millets are highly nutritious and are a good source of several essential nutrients. Here are some of the key nutrients found in millets:
Carbohydrates: Millets are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide energy and help in maintaining blood sugar levels.
Fibre: Millets are rich in dietary fibre, which is essential for maintaining gut health, reducing the risk of colon cancer, and lowering cholesterol levels.
Protein: Millets are a good source of protein, which is essential for the growth and repair of body tissues.
Vitamins: Millets are a good source of several vitamins, including vitamin B-complex, vitamin E, and vitamin K, which are essential for various functions in the body, including energy metabolism and blood clotting.
Minerals: Millets are rich in minerals like iron, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles.
Incorporating millets into one's diet can help meet the body's nutrient requirements and contribute to overall health and wellbeing.
Farmers & Cultivation challenges
Although Millets are highly nutritious and have several benefits, their cultivation also comes with some challenges. Some of the key challenges faced in millet cultivation are:
Low Yield: Millets have lower yields compared to other cereals like wheat and rice, which makes it less attractive to farmers.
Lack of Research: There has been relatively little research on millets compared to other crops, which has limited the development of high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties.
Inadequate Marketing: There is a lack of adequate marketing infrastructure for millets, which limits their value in the market.
Climate Change: Climate change has resulted in erratic rainfall patterns, droughts, and floods, which have affected millet cultivation.
Pest and Disease Incidence: Millets are susceptible to several pests and diseases, which can affect the yield and quality of the crop.
Way Forward
To address these challenges, Government of India has taken multipronged several initiatives to promote millet cultivation, including research and development of high-yielding varieties, providing better marketing infrastructure, and developing value chains. Additionally, the cultivation of millets is being promoted as a climate-resilient crop due to its ability to grow in harsh environments with low rainfall.
Specifically, introduction of all millets under PDS scheme is one major step which will create huge demand. This will give a boost to the production of all the millets and consequently, it will add to the existing income of the farmers.
Further, an assured procurement support with competitive prices to encourage diversification of areas will enhance the production of millets. Here it is important to state that through the Department of Food & Public Distribution (DFPD), State Governments are allowed to procure Jowar, Bajra, Maize & Ragi etc. from farmers at MSP.
To strengthen the production and productivity, support in the form of financial assistance to millets growing states under Mission Mode Program has also been envisaged.
In conclusion, millets are a highly nutritious and sustainable food that can play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals. By promoting the cultivation and consumption of millets, we can ensure food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Let us embrace millets as a superfood for a healthier and more sustainable world.
Saunand Somasi
Two decades (Twenty Two years) of award winning experience in Education industry with expertise Education Policy, Planning & Management, Program Development, General Administration, Research & Development along with establishment of IGNOU regional & study centres at remote locations. Chaired and Co-chaired sessions on International and National platforms with UNICEF, UNESCO, AICTE, Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP), NCERT and KVS.