The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently approved India’s proposal for 2023, designated as the International Year of Millets. Coinciding with India’s national Year of Millets in 2018, this global focus elevates the importance of these humble grains. Cultivated as crops predominantly in subtropical, tropical, and temperate regions, millets are noted for their resilience and plentiful nutritional values. Among the most popular varieties in India are Ragi (Finger millet), Jowar (Sorghum), Sama (Little millet), Bajra (Pearl millet), and Variga (Proso millet).
Millets: The Smart Food
Millets have earned the moniker “Smart Food” due to their minimal cost and their nutritional superiority compared to staples like wheat and rice. Packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as iron, they are a bargain when considering the nutritive returns. Calcium and magnesium are also inherent in these grains, further heightening their value. The Ragi, or Finger millet, boasts the highest concentration of calcium among all food grains.
Potential health benefits of consuming millets are vast. They provide protection against nutritional deficiencies and can fight high prevalence of anaemia, especially among children, women, and infants. Thanks to their rich antioxidant content, millets are also handy in tackling lifestyle-related health concerns like obesity and diabetes. They are gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, which means they have less impact on blood sugar levels.
Millets: The Smart Crop
As crops, millets offer several advantages that make them an optimal choice for farmers. Their photo-insensitivity allows them uninterrupted growth regardless of photoperiod changes. They thrive on poor soils, require minimal water, and can grow under severe drought conditions or low rainfall regimes. Their resilience to high temperatures and ability to withstand extreme climate changes make them a suitable crop for areas vulnerable to climate change.
The low carbon and water footprints of millets are another added bonus. Compared to rice, for instance, millets need at least three times less water to grow. Due to their hardy nature, they’re often the last man standing among crops in harsh conditions, providing a safety net for farmers with limited resources.
| Millet Type | Protein Content | Iron Content |
|---|---|---|
| Ragi (Finger millet) | 7.3g | 3.9mg |
| Jowar (Sorghum) | 10.4g | 4.1mg |
| Bajra (Pearl millet) | 11.6g | 16.9mg |
The Future of Millets
As India holds more than 15% of the world’s population but only 4% of its water resources, promoting the cultivation of millets can be a game-changer. To efficiently feed the growing population, an increase in the production and demand for millets is essential. It requires policy changes to develop infrastructure in millet-growing regions.
Encouraging the plantation of various millet varieties and incorporating them into the Public Distribution System (PDS) and nutrition programs can also offer a significant boost. Odisha, for instance, has plans to introduce millets in PDS, the mid-day meal scheme (MDM), and the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). Farming incentives for those growing millets, along with financial support for processing, storage, and marketing, can further facilitate the expansion of these crops.
Additional Information
On another note, the FAO council recently approved India’s membership to the Executive Board of the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) for 2020 and 2021. The UN’s primary agency focused on hunger alleviation and food security, WFP globally provides emergency food aid, especially during civil strife or natural disasters. In India, WFP shifted from direct food aid to technical assistance and capacity-building services for the Indian government.