Coarse grains or cereals like Jowar, Bajra, Ragi (Madua), Barley, Kodo, Sama, Sawa, Kutki, Kangni, and Cheena are called millets. Now the craze for these coarse grains is increasing across the world. On India’s proposal, the United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets
The current year is being celebrated as the International Year of Millets. On India’s insistence, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in April 2021, after which 2023 was declared the year of millets. It aims to raise public awareness about the health benefits of millet. Earlier, in April 2018, millets were branded as ‘Nutri-cereals’ and the government declared it the National Year of Millets with an aim to generate more production and demand. Cereals like Jowar, Bajra, Ragi (Madua), Barley, Kodo, Sama, Sawa, Kutki, Kangni, and Cheena are millets. The craze for these coarse grains is increasing all over the world. Foreign guests who have visited India often like the dishes made from millet. More than 90 percent of millet production is in the developing countries of Africa and Asia. India is the largest producer of millet in the world. Millet is also beneficial for the farmers as these crops take very less time and require less water.
Millets are called superfoods, as they are full of nutrients including protein, fiber, and minerals, and are good for health. Apart from reducing obesity, they also reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart-related diseases. Along with this, they are also helpful in preventing stomach and liver diseases. Millets are beneficial in fighting malnutrition, as they are naturally packed with energy as well as protein. Millet is rich in dietary fiber and it helps in controlling blood pressure and sugar levels. Millet supports the good bacteria in the digestive tract. Since it contains more essential amino acids than other grains, it helps the body’s tissues to grow and repair. It is rich in antioxidants like ferulic acid and catechins, which protect the body from harmful oxidative stress. Awareness about the health benefits of millet has improved post-Covid but needs more attention.
Some startups are now developing products like Millet Cookies, Millet Pancake, Millet Dosa, Millet Energy Bars, Millet Breakfast, and many more. The Agriculture Department had recently organized a special ‘Millet Lunch’ for the Members of Parliament. Haryana Chief Minister ManoharLalKhattar started the new year celebration with a breakfast of millet. The flour of Bajra (Pearl Millet) has a warming effect, that’s why Bajra roti keeps the body warm in winter. The Chandigarh administration has included millet products in its hotels and outlets. Similarly, BajraHalwa, BajraKheer, and Bajra Cutlets are included in the menu of UT Guest House in Chandigarh. A counter of sweets made of millets has also been opened in the Navsrajan shop of Chandigarh Jail Administration. Millets have been made an integral part of G-20 meetings. Millets Festival and food festivals are to be celebrated in Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, and Punjab. This year, Indian embassies in over 140 countries will increase their focus on millets by organizing side events involving the Indian diaspora through exhibitions, seminars, talks, and panel discussions.
NarvijayYadav is a senior Journalist & Columnist. Views are personal
Twitter @NarvijayYadav
