Mains Marathon

Introduce contextually with the characteristics of millets. Discuss what role millets play in promoting food security. Discuss how millet will promote agricultural diversity in India. Discuss some government efforts to promote millets in the country. Conclude accordingly.

Answer:

India's proposal to observe an International Year of Millets in 2023 was approved by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in 2018 and the United Nations General Assembly has declared the year 2023 as the International Year of Millets.

• Millet is a collective term referring to a number of small-seeded annual grasses that are cultivated as grain crops, primarily on marginal lands in dry areas in temperate, subtropical and tropical regions.
• Some of the common millets available in India are Ragi (Finger millet), Jowar (Sorghum), Sama (Little millet), Bajra (Pearl millet), and Variga (Proso millet).

Millets play a significant role in promoting food security in India:

• Nutritional Diversity and Accessibility: Millets are rich in nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They contribute to a diversified diet, essential for addressing malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
  • According to the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), millets like finger millet (ragi) have higher calcium content than other cereals, making them beneficial for bone health.
• Resilience to Climate Variability: Millets are hardy crops that require minimal water and can thrive in harsh climatic conditions. Their tolerance to drought and high temperatures makes them suitable for regions prone to climate variability.
  • For instance, in states like Maharashtra, millets like pearl millet (bajra) and sorghum (jowar) have helped farmers cope with water scarcity during droughts.
• Bolstering Farmers' Livelihoods: Millet cultivation provides an additional source of income for small and marginal farmers. They have shorter cropping cycles and require fewer inputs, leading to reduced costs.
  • In Karnataka's drought-prone districts, initiatives promoting millet farming have empowered farmers and improved their economic stability.
• Preservation of Biodiversity: Millets contribute to agricultural biodiversity and crop rotation, which can mitigate the risks of pest outbreaks and diseases.
  • The Deccan Development Society's efforts in Telangana have highlighted the role of indigenous millet varieties in maintaining biodiversity.
• Sustainability and Food Sovereignty: Millets support sustainable agricultural practices by reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides due to their natural resilience.
  • The Indian government's National Food Security Mission has recognized millets as vital for enhancing food sovereignty and achieving sustainable food security.
• Rural Livelihoods: Millets like foxtail millet (kodo) and little millet are cultivated in tribal areas of Odisha, contributing to food security and livelihoods of these communities.

Millets play a significant role in promoting agricultural diversity in India:

• Drought Tolerance: Millets have deep root systems that enable them to access water from deeper soil layers, making them well-suited for regions with erratic rainfall.
  • Foxtail millet (kangni) is cultivated in states like Tamil Nadu, where water scarcity is a challenge.
• Crop Rotation and Soil Health: Incorporating millets in crop rotation systems enhances soil health by reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
  • Sorghum (jowar), grown in Maharashtra and Karnataka, is used in crop rotation to improve soil fertility.
• Adaptability: Millets are well-suited to diverse agro-climatic conditions, thriving in both arid and semi-arid regions.
  • For instance, pearl millet (bajra) is a staple in Rajasthan, known for its dry climate.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: Millets have a lower carbon and water footprint compared to rice and wheat. Their low input requirements contribute to sustainable farming practices.
• Local Food Systems: Millets are integral to local diets and food systems. Jowar (sorghum) and bajra are consumed as staple foods in parts of Maharashtra, supporting local culinary traditions.

Government efforts to promote millets in the country:

• National Food Security Mission (NFSM) - Ragi and Nutri-Cereals Component: Under NFSM, a specific component has been dedicated to promoting nutri-cereals including millets. Financial assistance is provided to states for various activities such as seed distribution, demonstration plots, and training.
• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): NMSA focuses on promoting climate-resilient practices, including the cultivation of millets, to enhance farm productivity and sustainability.
• Parampara Gat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): PKVY promotes organic farming and encourages farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices, including millet cultivation, for sustainable agriculture.
• Millets in Public Distribution System (PDS): Some states are including millets in the PDS to make nutritious and affordable food options available to the vulnerable sections of society.
• National Nutrition Mission (Poshan Abhiyaan): Millets are considered as nutritious food options and are promoted under this mission to combat malnutrition.
• Setting Millet Parks and Demonstrations: Some states have established millet parks and demonstration plots to showcase the benefits of millet cultivation and educate farmers about their cultivation techniques.
• Promotion through International Events: The Indian government promotes millets on global platforms, like the International Year of Millets 2023 declared by the United Nations, to highlight their significance.

Millet has been referred as ‘Shree Anna’ in Union Budget 2023-24. It serves as a diverse and climate-smart crop option in India, offering solutions to challenges related to water scarcity, soil health, nutrition, and cultural preservation in various regions with distinct climatic conditions.