Let’s Go Against the Grain of Wheat, Rice Bias

Source: The post is based on the article “Let’s Go Against The Grain Of Wheat, Rice Bias” published in The Times of India on 15^th February 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Agriculture

Relevance: benefits of millets and measures taken to promote it

News: The article discusses the reasons behind the decline in the use of millets and the efforts taken by the government to revive it.

What were the reasons behind the decline in the use of millets?

One of the reasons behind the decline in the use of millets is the green revolution.

Green revolution technology and policy environment gave rice and wheat an advantage over millets and millets were considered as inferior crops, despite of its multiple benefits.

What are the benefits of millets?

Millets are nutritious. They reduce – a) Iron deficiency anaemia, b) Risk of type II diabetes, c) BMI and obesity, d) Calcium deficiency e) helps with hyperlipidemia.

Millets are also found to help overcome malnutrition. Within millets, minor millets are even more nutritious and healthy.

Moreover, millets are the least water demanding crops. They can live in harsh environments and withstand various biotic and abiotic stresses like rise in temperature, drought etc.

However, the government has taken several measures to promote millets.

What steps have taken by the government to promote millets?

GoI and some states have taken some initiatives since 2012 to promote millets.

Millets were officially declared as Nutri Cereals in 2018 which was declared as the National Year of Millets. 

India has also brought millets on the global platform by getting UNGA to declare the year 2023 as an International Year of Millet.

However, despite these efforts, there is hardly any improvement in the consumption of millets.

As per NSSO’s consumer expenditure survey, the consumption of millets amongst the lower section of the society has declined from 1. 59 kg millets/ month per capita in 1993-94 to 0. 27 kg by 2011-2012.

However, the budget 2023-24 has tried to address the issues related to millets.

What are some efforts announced in the Budget 2023-24 for millets?

The budget has designated millets as “Shree Anna”. Therefore, emphasis needs to be given to expand the area under millet and increase their productivity by making them attractive to the producers.

The budget has also announced support for R&D in millets through a centre of excellence to be set up in Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad.

What can be the way ahead?

First, India needs to speed up technological development for millets. Millet specific machines and equipment need to be developed to handle large scale production.

Second, Producers need to be empowered through FPOs, SHGs and cooperatives, to take advantage of rising consumer preference and willingness to pay better prices for millets.

Read More: Millet Production in India – Explained