Millets are India’s solution to global challenges on nutrition, water scarcity and climate change: PM

Sub: Geo

Sec: Eco geo

Context:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted millet farming as India’s solution to global issues of nutrition, water scarcity, and climate change.

Details:

Modi emphasized a holistic approach of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ to tackle sustainable agriculture and food system challenges.
He identified nutrition, along with water shortage and climate change, as significant challenges and presented millets (‘Shri Anna’) as a superfood requiring minimal water for maximum production.
Modi expressed India’s readiness to share its millet resources with the world.

32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE):

Held in Delhi.
Theme “Transformation towards sustainable agri-food systems,” will showcase India’s proactive approach to agricultural challenges and advancements in farm research and policy.
65 years ago, the conference was concerned about India’s food security, but now India provides solutions for global food and nutrition security.
India’s status as a food surplus country and a leading producer of milk, pulses, spices, food grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton, sugar, tea, and farmed fish has been highlighted.
PM of India mentioned that India has developed rice varieties requiring 25% less water than traditional varieties.

Millets:

It 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).
The earliest evidence for these grains has been found in Indus civilization and was one of the first plants domesticated for food.
It is grown in about 131 countries and is the traditional food for around 60 crore people in Asia & Africa.
India is the largest producer of millet in the world.
- Top millet producing states: Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
It accounts for 20% of global production and 80% of Asia’s production.
Global Distribution:
- India, Nigeria and China are the largest producers of millets in the world, accounting for more than 55% of the global production.
- For many years, India was a major producer of millets. However, in recent years, millet production has increased dramatically in Africa.

Why are Millets Considered Important ‘Nutri-Cereals’?

Climate Resilient Staple Food Crops: Millets are drought-resistant, require less water and can grow in poor soil conditions. This makes them a suitable food crop for areas with unpredictable weather patterns and water scarcity.
Rich in nutrients: Millets are a good source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Gluten-free: Millets are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Adaptable: Millets can be grown in a variety of soils and climates, making them a versatile crop option for farmers.
Sustainable: Millets are often grown using traditional farming methods, which are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than modern, industrial farming practices.

Initiatives taken by the Government:

National Millets Mission (NMM): NMM was launched in 2007 to promote the production and consumption of millets.
MAHARISHI (Millets And Other Ancient Grains International Research Initiative): An initiative proposed by India towards advancing research in the field of millets and other ancient grains.
Price Support Scheme (PSS): Provides financial assistance to farmers for the cultivation of millets.
Development of Value-Added Products: Encourages the production of value-added millet-based products to increase the demand and consumption of millets.
Promoting Millets in PDS: The government has introduced millets in the Public Distribution System to make it accessible and affordable to the masses.
Promotion of Organic Farming: The government is promoting organic farming of millets to increase the production and consumption of organic millets.

Source: TH