Millets are small-seeded grains that have been cultivated for thousands of years in various regions of the world. They are a good source of nourishment since they are high in fiber and high in vitamins, minerals, and proteins. They are gluten-free, making them perfect for people who have celiac disease or other gluten sensitivity. Millets can be consumed whole as porridge or crushed into flour for use in baking bread, cakes, and pasta.
Millets, grown in over 130 countries, have long been regarded as an essential part of the nutrition of nearly half a billion people in Asia and Africa. Millets were among the first crops to be domesticated in India. In addition to several health benefits, millets are also good for the environment due to their minimal water and input requirements. The Government of India (GOI) has prioritized millets because of their immense potential to develop livelihoods, enhance farmer income, and assure global food and nutritional security. Millets were renamed “Nutri Cereals” in April 2018, and 2018 was declared the National Year of Millets, aiming to increase promotion and demand growth.
On March 5, 2021, the United Nations recognized the year 2023 as the International Year of Millets, based on a request advanced by India and backed by 72 countries. It is critical to honor humanity’s traditional wisdom. These were the first plants to be domesticated for food. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations held an inaugural ceremony for the International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 in Rome, Italy, on December 6, 2022. To achieve the goal of IYM 2023 and take Indian millets globally, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has taken a proactive multi-stakeholder engagement approach (involving all ministries of the central government, states/UTs, farmers, start-ups, exporters, retail enterprises, hotels, Indian embassies, and so on).
Nutritional Powerhouse
Millet, in its different forms, is an excellent supplier of important nutrients. Here are some of its nutritional highlights:
- Protein: Millet is a good source of plant-based protein. It contains all of the necessary amino acids, making it a complete protein source.
- Fiber: Millet is high in dietary fiber, which aids digestion, regulates blood sugar levels, and contributes to a sensation of fullness.
- Micronutrients: It’s high in vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, all of which are important for overall health and well-being.
- Antioxidants: Millet includes antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and chronic diseases.
- Low Glycaemic Index: Millet has a low glycaemic index, making it an ideal choice for regulating blood sugar levels, particularly for diabetics.
- Gluten-Free: Millet is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and nutritious option for people with celiac disease or gluten allergies.
Versatile and long-lasting
The variety of millet extends to its culinary applications. It can be pounded into flour for baking, added to porridges, soups, and stews, or popped like popcorn. Millet is also used in traditional meals like Indian roti and African couscous. Its moderate flavor and versatility in different cooking ways make it an adaptable addition to a variety of cuisines.
Millet has the agricultural advantage of being a robust and drought-resistant crop. It takes far less water than many other cereals, making it ideal for areas with limited water supplies. Because of its short growth cycle, it can be grown in locations with tough growing seasons, and it can be used as a good rotation crop to boost soil fertility.
Food Security Advocate
The International Year of Millet emphasizes the significance of this humble grain in addressing global food security concerns. Millet has the potential to play a critical role in providing populations with nutritious and sustainable food sources, particularly in areas prone to climate change and environmental stress.
The international community can help small-scale farmers, improve dietary diversity, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient food system by supporting millet planting and consumption. Furthermore, a greater emphasis on millet can provide economic prospects for farmers, particularly in developing nations, as well as improve the nutritional well-being of vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
Finally, the International Year of Millet brings to light a grain that, despite its humble appearance, contains enormous promise for our global community. Millet’s remarkable nutritional content, adaptability, and sustainability make it an important factor in tackling the pressing concerns of food security, nutrition, and environmental resilience. As we celebrate millet in 2023, let us appreciate its potential to revolutionize our food systems for the better, providing a more nourished, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Millet’s importance cannot be overstated, whether it is adorning our dinner plates or enhancing the livelihoods of farmers in various places. It is time to recognize this neglected grain and embrace its significance in nurturing our earth and supporting our future.
(Author is M. Tech Scholar, Sher-e-Kashmir University of agricultural sciences and Technology Shalimar, Kashmir)
