Revival of millets, its benefits and why it is considered the food of future

Millets are small-seeded grasses that have been consumed by Indians for thousands of years. However, with the introduction of rice and wheat, millets were pushed to the margins and practically forgotten. Millets have sparked fresh interest as a nutritious and sustainable food source in recent years. This revival has been fuelled by a growing awareness of millet’s health advantages and the necessity for sustainable agriculture. (Images courtesy: iStock)

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Millets are gluten-free and high in protein, fiber, and minerals, making them a good choice for persons with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. They also have a low glycaemic index, which means they release sugar slowly into circulation, making them great for diabetics.

Millets are also good for the environment. They require less water than other cereals and can thrive without using fertilizers or pesticides in poor soils. As a result, they are a good crop for farmers in dry regions dealing with the effects of climate change.

Several reasons have contributed to the renewed interest in millets. One of the most important is the work of several organizations in promoting millet as a drought-resistant, nutritional alternative to rice and wheat. These organizations have worked with farmers to promote millet planting and have encouraged consumers to include millet in their diets.

The Indian government has also promoted millet as part of its attempts to promote sustainable agriculture and improve residents' health. The UN government declared 2023 the National Year of Millets in order to create awareness about the health advantages of millets and encourage farmers to plant them. The government has also provided farmers with subsidies and other incentives to encourage them to plant millet. The resurrection of millets has also resulted in the establishment of various small businesses dedicated to the production of millet-based items. Millet flour, millet-based snacks, and even millet-based beer are examples of these items. These firms not only promote millet consumption but also create new job prospects in rural areas.

Millets are becoming increasingly popular since they are adaptable and can be used in several cuisines. Whole millet can be used in salads, soups, and stews, while millet flour can be used to make rotis, dosas, and idlis. Millets can also be made into snacks such as bhel and chivda.

The revival of millet in India is a significant phenomenon that has the potential to benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment. Millets' popularity is anticipated to expand as more people become aware of their benefits, reintroducing them into the Indian diet. The revival of millet has also generated a lot of jobs in several parts of the country. The Keonjhar district administration (Odisha) with the help of the District Mineral Fund has restored millet farming among the tribals of the district and is promoting it in mine-affected areas. As a part of the programs, the steps which are undertaken to improve the livelihoods of the farmers, the management ensures fair payment to the cultivators of the crop millet in order to raise their living standards. The objective was to cultivate millet on 4000 hectares of land over seven blocks. In order to meet the target, 4020 farmers are cultivating millets in 88-gram panchayats across the district's seven blocks.

Finally, the millet revival in India indicates an important change toward sustainable agriculture and good eating habits and an increase in jobs. Several factors have contributed to the renewed interest in this neglected crop, including its nutritional benefits, drought resistance, and compatibility with poor soils. Government actions and organizations supporting millet have also played an important role in its revival. Furthermore, the emergence of small enterprises that employ millet in their goods has resulted in the creation of new jobs in rural areas. Millets are projected to gain popularity and re-establish themselves in the Indian diet due to their versatility and adaptation to various cuisines. Overall, growing interest in millet is an important step towards a more sustainable and healthy future.

By: Anchal Abrol, Co-Founder of Snaqary