Millets are among the first plants to be domesticated and are seen in ancient Indian texts like the Yajurveda dating to pre-historic times. They have been part of the traditional staple diet for hundreds of millions in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia for 7 000 years. However, their potential to effectively address livelihood security, health issues, climate change, food security and under/malnourishment is what makes millets an imperative for India and the world.

India has one of the world’s highest demographics of a population that suffers from poverty, hunger, disease, malnutrition, under-nourishment and micro-deficient food. Hence, the need to promote the diversity, nutritional and ecological benefit of millets to consumers, producers, value chain players and key decision-makers across public, private and individual sectors to improve food sector linkages is vital. Promotion of millets is crucial for India and the planet because:

Millets are especially the poor person’s staple

Millets have a low carbon and water footprints

Millets are gluten-free, non-allergenic & good for immunity

Millets have low chemical inputs such as fertilizers & pesticides

Millets cultivation requires comparatively fewer inputs than other cereals

Millets farming, processing, marketing can provide employment to millions

Millets contain calcium, iron & fibres which help to fortify essential nutrients

Millets can grow on relatively poor soils and under adverse or arid conditions

Millets have high nutritional content – protein, phytochemicals & micronutrients

Millets form the essential raw material for potable alcohol and starch production

Millets ensure food & feed to millions of dry-land farmers & those in hilly regions

Millets are considered “nutri-cereals” & are superior to other cereals in many ways

Millets are critical & appealing for all – developed, developing & undeveloped nations

Millets cycle from sowing to harvest is about 2 – 4 months making for multiple cropping

Millets usage in infant food, processed foods, nutrition products & as a healthy alternative is increasing

Millets are useful in correcting diet disorders – anaemia and lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, etc.