India has taken the challenge of food security in the right earnest and has taken all possible steps to boost the production of millets (Jowar, Bajra and Ragi) in line with the UN declaration of 2023 as the 'International Year of Millets'.
Millets constitute important nutritious cereals in many Indian provinces, but over the year, their production decreased due to focus on other food products and cereals. Jowar, Bajra and Ragi accounted for approximately 40 per cent of all crop cereals prior to India's Green Revolution but fell to approximately 20 per cent in the years that followed, an ANI report said.
Since millet production proved non-profitable despite their high nutritional values, farmers switched over to other crops like pulses, oilseeds and maise.
Recognising the value of the cereals, which are not new to India and were used even during the Indus Valley Civilization, the Indian Government declared the National Year of Millets in 2018 and decided to achieve nutritional security in the country. On the initiative of India, the UN declared 2023 the 'Year of Millets'.
According to the Indian Ministry of Agriculture, India produces approximately 1.80 crore metric tonnes of millet, accounting for approximately 20 per cent of global production. More than 80 per cent of the millets produced in Asia are produced in India. Besides being nutritious, the millets are resistant to challenging agro-climatic conditions.
Millet is acknowledged scientifically as a superfood, and the Government of India is creating awareness to raise demand to make the production of millet profitable for farmers.
Generally, small farmers grow millet mostly on unirrigated land, and they are known as "organic cereals" due to minimal use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
Keeping in mind millets' importance in addressing the food security of the world, there is a move to raise awareness and indigenous and global demand.
According to reports, the Government is making an effort to better serve nutritious food cereals from India at all events hosted by agencies and embassies. "Its speciality should be communicated to the public; this process will continue throughout the year. India, which is chairing the G-20, will also serve at least one millet-based dish at all of its events. During the initial meeting, many millets dishes were kept on the main course menu in front of the guests."
Indian millets, according to reports, are high in protein, vitamins and minerals. "They are also gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, so they are a great option for people with celiac disease or diabetes."
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