Millets are ancient grains that have been part of India's rich heritage for millennia. They are super foods that provide high nutrition, gluten-free options, climate resilience, and eco-friendliness. Millets can enhance food security, nutrition security, and sustainability in the face of global challenges such as climate change, population growth, and malnutrition.
The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) with the aim of increasing the production and consumption of millets worldwide. The idea is to promote millets as a smart crop for smart food and smart farming. India, as the world's largest producer of millets, has a crucial role in making IYM 2023 a success and showcasing the benefits of millets to the world.
India cultivates a variety of millet crops such as Pearl Millet (Bajra), Sorghum (Jowar), Finger Millet (Ragi/Mandua), Foxtail Millet (Kangani/Kakun), Proso Millet (Cheena), Kodo Millet (Kodo), Barnyard Millet (Sawa/Sanwa/ Jhangora), LiUle Millet (Kutki), Buck-wheat (KuUu) and Ameranthus (Chaulai). These millets have different nutritional profiles and culinary uses. Millets can be consumed as whole grains or processed into various products such as flour, flakes, puffs, noodles, pasta, bread, biscuits, cookies, cakes, muffins, granola bars, snacks, beverages, and more. Millets can also serve as animal feed and biofuel.
Millets have several advantages over other cereals such as rice and wheat. Millets are rich in protein, dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. Millets have a low glycemic index and are beneficial for people with diabetes and other metabolic disorders. Millets also support gut health and immunity. Millets are drought-tolerant and can grow in marginal lands with low water and fertilizer inputs. Millets can also improve soil health and biodiversity.
India has a huge opportunity to enter the global market for millet-based processed foods. The demand for healthy, natural, organic, gluten-free, and vegan foods is growing worldwide. Millets can meet these consumer preferences and offer a wide range of products that are delicious, convenient, and affordable. India can use its expertise in millet cultivation, processing, and innovation to carve a niche for itself in the global food industry.
India can also use millets as a tool for diplomacy and development cooperation. India can share its best practices and experiences with other countries in promoting millets as a solution for food security, nutrition security, and sustainability. India can also work with other countries in research and development of new varieties and technologies for millet production and processing. India can also help other countries in designing policies and programs for millet promotion and consumption.
India has an edge in terms of its diversity, heritage, innovation, and leadership in millets. India can use this edge to position itself as the global hub for millets and showcase its achievements and contributions to the world. Shree Anna (Millets) is not just a food but a way of life that reflects India’s culture, values, and vision for the future.