The United Nations has declared 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets,’ highlighting the potential of this small grain cereal as a staple food. Millets can grow well in semi-arid conditions and are more resistant to the impacts of climate change than traditional staples like rice, wheat, and maize. They offer superior nutritional value, providing more protein, micronutrients, and dietary fiber. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for increased production of millets to promote good health and environmental sustainability. University of Reading scientists have also shown interest in millets, with Professor Ian Givens emphasizing the need for sustainable production to ensure sustainable nutrition. Millets offer an excellent option for achieving food security across the globe, and the potential for increased production of millets in India could change the traditional Indian diet and promote the growth of a more sustainable food industry.
The Benefits of Millets: Indian PM and Scientists Call for Increased Production
The United Nations has designated 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets.’ But what exactly are millets and why are Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and scientists from the University of Reading so interested?
Professor Ian Givens, the Director of the University of Reading Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, represented the UK at a Global Millets meeting in Delhi where he gave two presentations on the health and nutritional benefits of millets. During the opening speech, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the potential of millets for promoting good health and environmental sustainability.
According to Professor Givens, the world needs to ensure that sustainable production equals sustainable nutrition, especially in areas most affected by climate change. He believes millets can play a vital role in achieving this goal. Millets grow well in semi-arid conditions and have superior nutritional value when compared to traditional Indian staples like rice, wheat, and maize. Additionally, millets can grow well in the UK climate, which could reduce imports and lower food miles.
The event was organized by the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and attracted scientists from around the world. Millets are small grain cereals that come in various types. They can be cooked like rice and have a mild flavor and pleasant texture. In semi-arid regions of the world, including the Indian subcontinent, millets are a staple food and an important part of the local diet.
Millets provide higher energy content and protein than rice and are rich in micronutrients like calcium and iron. Furthermore, they offer more dietary fiber, making them a great alternative to rice. Millets can also be used to make sweet treats by puffing the grains, or for alcoholic beverages such as the distilled spirit, Rakshi, and porridge.
With their nutritional value, ease of cultivation, and environmental sustainability, millets are an excellent option for ensuring food security across the globe. The Indian Prime Minister’s call for increased production of millets has the potential to change the traditional Indian diet and promote the growth of a more sustainable food industry.
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