Important Role of Millet in Avoiding Fortification

Millets, often hailed as a nutrient powerhouse, are rich in essential minerals like zinc, iron, and calcium. Experts believe that millets play a crucial role in addressing nutritional deficiencies while offering a sustainable solution for future food security. Raj Bhandari, a member of the National Technical Board on Nutrition (NTBN), emphasized that consuming millets can significantly reduce the need for industrial food fortification. He stated, "It's our responsibility to highlight the value of millets and raise awareness about their benefits to society."

Tackling Global Food Security and Hidden Hunger

During the International Millets Conference, Bhandari expressed concerns about global agricultural productivity, warning that it could decline by 20% by 2050. This could lead to serious challenges for feeding a growing population, expected to hit 9.2 billion people by 2050. He pointed out, "On one hand, we face declining productivity, and on the other, there’s an urgent need to address hidden hunger."

Millets are highly resilient, thriving even in high-temperature environments, making them an essential crop in the face of climate change. "Millets are not just nutritious but adaptable, which is crucial for the global food system's survival," he explained.

Growing Potential in Millet Exports

According to Sagar Hanuman Singh, Director-General of NIPHM, the demand for millet exports is growing, particularly in regions like Africa and the Middle East. Singh mentioned that expanding millet exports to markets in Europe, the US, and Southeast Asia could further boost the industry.

The momentum generated by last year’s International Year of Millets offers a unique opportunity to promote millet cultivation and consumption globally. "We should take advantage of this moment to push millets as a mainstream food, both domestically and internationally," Singh added.

Overcoming Challenges in Millet Production

Ch Srinivas Rao, Director of ICAR-NAARM, discussed the challenges farmers face in making millet cultivation more profitable. He stressed the importance of respecting regional food preferences while improving market access for millet producers. "It’s crucial that we promote better aggregation of millet produce and make sure farmers get a fair price for their efforts," he noted.

At the same time, technological innovations in farming, like seed rhizome priming with Trichoderma, are helping boost yields in crops like ginger and turmeric, which are closely related to millet farming in many regions.

Nutritional Benefits: A Healthier Future with Millets

R Hemalatha, former Director of the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), highlighted that today’s diets largely rely on refined grains, which provide limited nutritional value. She urged a shift towards including more nutrient-rich foods like millets in everyday meals. "Millets, with their complex carbohydrates and high fiber content, help regulate blood sugar levels, keeping energy consistent and improving mood."

She pointed out that 70-90% of calories in modern diets come from refined grains, leaving room for improvement in incorporating healthier grains like millets.

Embracing Millets: A Vital Move for the Future

B Daytakar Rao, CEO of ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, stressed that adopting millets is no longer just an option; it’s a necessity. "We must make millets a core part of our food systems," he said. Rao added that offering a variety of millet-based products is key to consumer acceptance. "Let people choose what they want, but give them plenty of options."

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Millets

Experts at the International Millets Conference have made it clear: millets offer a nutritious, resilient crop that can tackle global food security challenges while promoting healthier diets. Farmers should consider expanding millet cultivation to benefit from growing demand, both in local markets and for export. By adopting innovative technologies and promoting millets, India can solidify its leadership in the global food market.





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