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The Millet Revolution

In comparison to other high-input crops, millets have a reduced carbon footprint, which implies they demand less irrigation and synthetic fertilizer, making them a good choice for farmers in developing countries, where poverty and environmental degradation are major factors…writes  Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi

Millets, a diverse group of small-seeded, hardy grains, have been an integral part of India’s agricultural landscape and dietary traditions for thousands of years. Because of their resilience and suitability for India’s varied agro-climatic conditions, millets require little in the way of inputs and water to thrive. India is the highest producer and consumer of millets worldwide. Its leadership in mainstreaming millet production and consumption opens practical solutions to addressing global hunger and malnutrition. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had declared 2023 as the Year of Millets as did the United Nations. The hardy grains have been at the front of the Indian government’s food push throughout this year. It was also the highlight during the G20 Summit. A special menu featuring Millets dishes was served to the delegates who attended the G20 Summit in Delhi. Recently, the government has announced that it plans to increase the procurement of millets threefold to 2 million tonnes in this financial year. 

Here are 5 reasons why you should add millet into your daily diet:

Nutritional Significance: Millets are an excellent source of protein and dietary fibre, and they are high in important minerals including iron, calcium, and phosphorus. They are also a great option for people with dietary restrictions and gluten sensitivity as they are a healthier substitute for commonly used cereals like wheat flour and all-purpose flour.

Environmental Impact: In comparison to other high-input crops, millets have a reduced carbon footprint, which implies they demand less irrigation and synthetic fertilizer, making them a good choice for farmers in developing countries, where poverty and environmental degradation are major factors.

Promotes Sustainability: Beyond their nutritional value, millets contribute significantly to sustainable agriculture that enhances soil health and biodiversity. In addition to enhancing agricultural land’s long-term productivity, this serves to conserve the environment. Due to their low water requirement, their ability to thrive in semi-arid conditions makes them ideal for regions facing water scarcity, contributing to water conservation in agriculture and promoting food security.

Climate Resilience: As millets require little water, they are very tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions, including drought and high temperatures. Because of their durability, they are less vulnerable to changes in the climate, which helps to maintain stable agricultural production even under adverse conditions. They are ideal for farmers with little land or water resources because of their short growth cycle.

Traditional and Cultural Importance: Millets have long been an integral part of diets in many cultures. They serve as the foundation for various traditional recipes and cuisines deeply rooted in cultural practices and celebrations, symbolizing fertility, abundance, and success.  While millets have varied cultural significance across various regions, they are perpetually significant in many communities, customs, and practices, adding to their diverse cultural tapestry.

With the global recognition of the significance of nutritious and sustainable food supplies, millets have garnered renewed interest. They are regarded as an essential part of India’s farming and food future. The Indian government has taken several excellent initiatives to encourage the cultivation and consumption of millet.

Garnering these schemes, India has seen 80 plus new startups in the millet sector in the past year, highlighting the government’s commitment to using them as a catalyst for better nutrition, ecological balance, and economic growth.

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TN to launch Millet Mission

Under this scheme, subsidy will be given for bringing millet cultivation to fallow lands and crop diversification to millets in 50,000 acres….reports Asian Lite News

Tamil Nadu government has decided to provide subsidy to bring cultivation of millets in fallow lands and crop diversification to millets in 50,000 acres under its Tamil Nadu Millet Mission, said the Minister for Agriculture M.R.K.Panneerselvam.

Presenting the state’s Agriculture Budget for FY24 in the Assembly on Tuesday, Panneerselvam said with the United Nations declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets, the state government will implement the Tamil Nadu Millet Mission for five years.

“Under this scheme, subsidy will be given for bringing millet cultivation to fallow lands and crop diversification to millets in 50,000 acres. Hundred groups of millet producers will be formed by bringing together millet farmers and training programmes will be conducted for them,” Panneerselvam said.

He further said that a subsidy will be provided to install a sprinkler irrigation system for 12,500 acres. Subsidy assistance will be provided to farmer producer groups to set up Millets Processing Centres for selling value added millets.

In order to create awareness about the goodness of millets, the government will celebrate ‘Millet Festivals’.

According to him, to increase the production and consumption of millets, Finger millet and pearl millet will be directly procured and availability of millets will be ensured in fair price shops.

Millet-based food will be included in Government institutions and hostels of educational institutions, Panneerselvam said.

In the coming year, the scheme will be implemented with the financial assistance of the Union and state governments at an estimated cost of Rs 82 crore, he said.

Further, in order to revive millets in Tamil Nadu and to increase the area under its cultivation, production and consumption of millets, the government has decided to declare five more districts – Namakkal, Tirupur, Coimbatore, Erode and Pudukottai – a millet zones.

In the last year’s Agriculture Budget, two millet zones encompassing 20 districts were declared.

To make millets available to people, steps are being taken to distribute two kilograms of Ragi to family card holders in Nilgiris and Dharmapuri districts on a pilot basis.

Also, to facilitate the farmers in getting fair price, processed minor millets are procured through cooperative societies and distributed through Amutham, Chinthamani and Kamadhenu Co-operative sales outlets in Chennai and Coimbatore cities, Panneerselvam said.

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