Millets are Miracle grains: Part 1

What are millets?

Millets are small-seeded grasses that are hardy and grow well in dry zones as rain-fed crops, under marginal conditions of soil fertility and moisture. Millets are one of the oldest foods known to humans and possibly the first cereal grain to be used for domestic purposes.

Millets are also unique due to their short growing season. They can develop from planted seeds to mature, ready to harvest plants in as little as 65 days. This is important in heavily populated areas.  If properly stored, whole millets can be kept for two or more years.

Millets should be called as Miracle grains. Let’s see why?

Nutrition Rich:

1. Millets are highly nutritious
2. Millets are non-glutinous
3. Millets are not acid formingfoods.
4. Millets are soothing and easy to digest.
5. Millets are the least allergenic
6. Millets are most digestible grains available.
7. Millets lowers the risk of diabetes.
8. Compared to rice, especially polished rice, millets release lesser percentage of  glucose and over a longer period of time.
9. Millets are particularly high in minerals like iron, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium.

• Finger millet (Ragi) is the richest in calcium content, about 10 times that of rice or wheat.
• Consuming millets is one of the easiest and most economical ways of addressing the problem of malnutrition.

Environmental & farmer friendly:

Today over 60% of India’s total farming area is rain fed. Nearly 50% of total rural workforce and and 60% of cattle population is dependent on this rain fed area for livelihood.

Millets are environment friendly, Climate change compliant crops and demands less resources.

o   Millets need very little water for production.

o   Utilize less water and cultivate high nutrition food grains.

o   Needs very less irrigation and demand on power.

o   Can be grown in dry lands and does not demand rich soil.

o   Millets are pest free crops and does not require synthetic fertilizers.

Consider this a 2 degree increase in global temperature may eliminate Wheat as a grain from the face of earth. Wheat is a season specific crop and Millets are grown throughout the year. 

• Increasing water scarcity puts greater stress in growing rice which requires standing water. 
• Improve productivity of dry lands and support small time and dry land farmers. 
• Support sustainable cropping practices where by introducing diversity in our diets. 
• India is the largest producer and consumer of millets. 42% of global production is consumed by India. 
• Millets are consumed by human beings and also by cattle. Hence it provides food security to the entire agricultural ecosystem. 

WHAT ELSE WILL YOU CALL SUCH GRAINS WHICH ARE GROWN IN: 

• Marginal Soil 
• Does not demand irrigation and power 
• Provides food security to the entire agricultural ecosystem. (Cattles and Humans) 
• Highly nutritious and fiber rich. 
• Offers protection against climatic changes and its impact. 
• That does not require synthetic fertilizers because they are pest free. 

They are GOD’s OWN CROPS… or can be called as MIRACLE GRAINS.

Article written by Rags Gopalan...

PS; Image and details courtesy Millet Network of India (MINI)