Reviving Millets: Reasons for Odisha’s Move Towards Resilient Agriculture & Thriving Farmers

Bhubaneswar: In honour of the International Year of Millets 2023, the Odisha government is collaborating with partners to unleash the remarkable potential of ragi as an affordable food option that contributes to both healthy diets and a sustainable environment.

Sources said the state government has been taking a number of steps towards reviving millets in order to empower farmers and also to enrich food diversity. Its cultivation and consumption is being promoted in a big way through Odisha Millets Mission. As wholesome grains, millets serve as a valuable source of essential nutrients, a press release said.

The cultivation of millets is predominantly concentrated in Asia and Africa, with India ranking as the leading producer, followed by Nigeria, Niger, and China. These crops were among the earliest to be domesticated and continue to be a traditional staple in certain regions of sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

Having endured and flourished in challenging growth conditions throughout history, these crops bear testament to their resilience and adaptability.

Outlined below are five compelling reasons to acknowledge millets and incorporate them into our culinary choices:

1. Millets can play a significant role in promoting a well-balanced diet.

These ancient grains are rich in antioxidants, minerals, and protein. Being whole grains, each type of millet also provides varying amounts and types of dietary fibre, which contributes to regulating bowel function, blood sugar levels, and lipids.

Additionally, they offer a cost-effective source of iron. Embracing millets as part of our diet can offer nutritious and wholesome alternatives to the commonly available refined grains found on the global market. Explore the world of millet-based recipes, like these delectable finger millet pancakes, to invigorate your culinary choices!

2. Millets exhibit remarkable resilience in the face of changing climates.

Millets possess inherent resistance to drought as well as tolerance to crop diseases and pests, enabling them to thrive under adverse climatic conditions.

3. Millets hold promising prospects for enhancing the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.

The widespread adoption of other cereal crops and shifts in dietary preferences have led to a decline in both production and demand for millets. By promoting the consumption and cultivation of these underappreciated crops, we can help revitalise the market for millets and create new opportunities for small-scale farmers.

4. Millets possess versatility and can be utilised in various innovative ways.

The genetic variability found in millets opens up numerous possibilities for their innovative application in fields such as therapeutics and pharmaceuticals. By exploring novel uses for millet, we can unlock additional market opportunities, both at regional and international levels, thereby further expanding the scope of millet trade.

5. Millets have the potential to enhance the diversity of the global food system.

Presently, millets constitute less than three per cent of the overall global grain trade. However, in times of unexpected disruptions that impact the foodgrain market, millets can serve as a valuable alternative to the commonly traded grains. This increased diversity has the potential to strengthen the resilience of global trade markets and reduce our dependence on other grains.