Millets offer a solution to the challenges of food security, ensuring equal access to nutrition and promoting wellness across diverse age groups
For centuries, millets were dietary staples in India, but there was a decrease in consumption post the Green Revolution, shifting focus to high-yielding crop varieties such as wheat and rice. Millets like Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi were overlooked, yet they thrived in semi-arid tropics, offering superior nutrition and resilience to harsh climates.
With rising health concerns among Indians, our very own Sri Anna is gaining popularity as a rich source of protein, fibre, micronutrients, essential amino acids, and phytochemicals. The Indian government has also pioneered promoting millets, both as a superfood and as a supergrain, with an increased focus on millet production, consumption, and export. Key stakeholders, including the Prime Minister, have propelled the agenda for popularising millets on domestic and international platforms. This eventually led to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) declaring 2023 the International Year of Millets.
The comeback of millets in India supports the country's focus on wellness by encouraging healthier living and reducing the impact of modern lifestyle trends. Our ancient grains can play a pivotal role in ensuring a healthier, more equitable, and more resilient food system in India. Millets are emerging as the grains crucial for ensuring food security in India, offering equal access to nutrition across the population while maintaining health and wellness nationwide.
Rich in essential nutrients like fibre, vitamins, and minerals, millets provide a well-rounded nutritional profile that addresses the dietary needs of all demographics, from children to the elderly. The growing popularity of millets has been bolstered by culinary innovations which have integrated millets into the symphony of flavours of India's regional delicacies. Hyderabadi biryanis now come in variants where millets combine with aromatic spices, while tangy ragi dosas boasting a blend of nutrition and taste have been gracing our plates—and our palates—for some time.
Millets’ transformation beyond their traditional grain form has also helped to accelerate adoption. Leading FMCG and CPG companies have incorporated millets into a wide range of products, from ready-to-eat snacks such as murukku, muesli, cookies, and granola to easy-to-cook meal products such as khichdi, upma, bread, noodles, pasta, poha, etc.
By leveraging millets as a key ingredient, brands are not only offering healthier alternatives to traditional products but also contributing to the revival of indigenous grains in Indian diets.
This World Health Day, here are five reasons why you should consider adding millets to your daily diet:
1. Millets, being nutritional powerhouses packed with protein, fibre, micronutrients, and phytochemicals, are catching public attention. The health benefits of a millet-regular, balanced diet extend to blood sugar regulation, anti-inflammatory benefits, prolonged satiety, and optimal heart health. These factors have led to a significant re-appreciation of millets’ status, driving its awareness as superfood.
2. With their adaptability to diverse climates and soil conditions, millets thrive in regions where other crops struggle, making them inherently sustainable crops. It requires minimal water and is resilient to pests and diseases. Their cultivation contributes to biodiversity and helps conserve water resources, making them environmentally friendly choices compared to water-intensive crops like rice and wheat. By incorporating millets into your diet, you're not only benefiting your health but also supporting sustainable agriculture practices.
3. Millets stand out the most for their ability to be incredibly versatile. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast oats and savoury chillas to baked goods and desserts. Their mild flavour allows them to blend well with different ingredients, herbs, and spices, enhancing the overall taste of your meals and offering endless cooking options.
4. Millets are also naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities. Additionally, millets are highly digestible and can be easier on the stomach compared to other refined grains. They also contribute to better digestion, reduce bloating, and promote gut health due to their fibre content.
On this World Health Day, the spotlight on millets underscores their crucial role in reshaping India's food and health landscape. From being ancient staples to gaining recognition as Nutri-Cereals and the declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets, their journey reflects a renewed focus on health and sustainability. Millets offer a solution to the challenges of food security by ensuring equal access to nutrition and promoting wellness across diverse age groups. With their nutrient density, versatility, and sustainability, millets emerge as the grains of the future, fostering a holistic approach to health and wellness nationwide.
(Dr. Shilpa Vora is Chief R&D Officer at Marico Ltd.)