Millets: Rediscovering ancient grains for a sustainable and nutritious future

Millets a diverse group of smallseeded grasses have a long history of cultivation spanning centuries and have been a staple in the diets of various communities worldwide These hardy crops offer numerous advantages such as their adaptability to diverse agroclimatic conditions and their exceptional nutritional contentHowever over the years millets have experienced a decline in India for several reasons The decline in millet consumption in India can be attributed to various factorsEmphasis on the Green Revolution The 1960s70s Green Revolution prioritised highyield rice and wheat benefiting from government support and subsidies and establishing their competitive edge in food productionShift in Dietary Preferences As India experienced socioeconomic changes dietary preferences shifted towards refined grains like rice and wheat Consumers leaned towards more processed and convenient food options leading to a decrease in the demand for milletsLimited Market Access and Promotion The availability of millets in retail outlets was restricted and there was a lack of awareness regarding their nutritional benefits Inadequate marketing strategies contributed to the decline in consumer demandPerception and Stigma Millets were often associated with poverty and rural lifestyles resulting in a negative perception among urban consumers These perceptions influenced consumer choices and hindered the acceptance and integration of millets into mainstream dietsLack of Research and Development Insufficient investment in research crop improvement and valueadded product development hindered the innovation and diversification of milletbased productsFarming Challenges Millet cultivation faced various obstacles including limited access to improved seeds insufficient technical knowledge and inadequate market infrastructureDespite the decline in millet cultivation these ancient grains offer numerous benefits that make them a valuable addition to our diets and agricultural practicesBenefits of MilletsWater savingsWhen we compare the water needs of rice and millets a clear distinction emerges Research suggests that while it takes an astonishing 5000 liters of water to produce 1 kg rice millets flourish with significantly lower water consumption typically ranging from 650 to 1200 litersGiven these aspects a notable transition from rice and wheat to millets in India could lead to remarkable advantages particularly substantial water conservation For example even with a conservative projection of substituting just 1037 of rice production with millets it could potentially save around 545 trillion litres of waterDaily average nutrition intakeIndia accounts for the secondhighest number of diabetic patients especially in urban areas which is nearly 1837 of the global count of diabetic patients This is a visible health risk for the younger demographic Millets are known to increase insulin sensitivity and lower the level of triglycerides and can act as a healthier substitute for the consumption of cereals like rice and wheat See Table belowThe above workings indicate a 26 per cent increase in daily protein intake 15x increase in iron and 32 per cent increase in fibre in addition to 7 per cent decrease in carbsReduction in chemical fertiliserMillets rainfed for ages need minimal fertilizers Unlike major cereals some millets like finger and pearl millet can partner with nitrogenfixing bacteria decreasing synthetic nitrogen fertilizer demandThey have lower nutrient demands compared to other cereals and have evolved to thrive in resourcelimited environments Millets thrive with low nutrients resist insects need minimal fertilizer and mature in 7080 days unlike rice and wheat taking over 100 daysLow carbon footprintMillets are ecofriendly due to its lesser dependency on outside resources drought resistance and smaller carbon footprint around 3218 kg CO2eha In contrast wheat and rice have higher footprints about 3968 and 3401 kg CO2eha as per various researchesRevival of MilletsFarmerCentric Support and TrainingState governments can provide targeted support to farmers interested in cultivating millets This support can include financial incentives access to quality seeds training in modern millet farming techniques and knowledge sharing platforms Additionally establishing millet farming cooperatives or farmer groups can help foster collaboration and exchange of best practices among farmersInvesting in Research and Development to improve productivityThe primary hindrance in maintaining foodgrain production while expanding the cultivation of millets is the difference in yields of millets and cereals like wheat and rice Millet crops have relatively lower yields in comparison To address food security concerns due to this it is imperative to reduce this productivity gap This requires focussed investment in research and development on millet crops to create improved varieties with higher yieldsCase for Millets in IndiaBalancing the resourcesThe relation between irrigation practices and cultivation significantly influences crop yields The implementation of policies that promote millets may result in heightened competition for water resources with rice and paddy especially when both crops become equally profitable Therefore it becomes crucial to identify regions where this tradeoff is minimal as it will be a key factor in ensuring sustainable agricultural practicesSustainable Consumption CampaignsEncouraging consumers to choose milletbased products as a sustainable and healthier option can create a demanddriven market Collaborating with retailers grocery stores and ecommerce platforms to promote millet products can lead to increased consumptionMillets in Public Nutrition ProgramsIncorporating millets into governmentsponsored nutrition programs such as school meal schemes and midday meals can significantly boost their consumption This not only increases the demand for millets but also creates a future generation of consumers who are aware of their nutritional valueEmpowering marginalised farmersGovernments and NGOs can work together to create awareness campaigns that highlight the economic benefits of millet cultivation Initiatives such as the Odisha Millets Mission have empowered women in tribal areas to revive millet farming and exchange traditional seeds leading to the revival of multiple millet varietiesIn conclusion millets present a promising solution to address some of the pressing challenges we face today from climate change and water scarcity to nutritional deficiencies and sustainable agriculture As we look ahead embracing millets is not just a return to our agricultural heritage but a bold step towards a more sustainable and nutritious future where the benefits of millets are cherished and integrated into mainstream diets worldwideAuthored by Rajat Bansod Consultant Avalon Consulting