Introduction:
The International Year of Millet was designated by the United Nations General Assembly for 2023 to raise awareness about the nutritional, health, and environmental benefits of millets. The initiative aims to promote millets as an important food crop that can contribute to food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable agriculture. The International Year of Millet is also intended to encourage research and development of millet-based products and value-added products.
Millet is a group of small-seeded grasses that are grown in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa and Asia. Millets are highly nutritious and have a number of health benefits, including being gluten-free, low-glycemic, and rich in vitamins and minerals. Millets are also drought-resistant and can grow in poor soil, making them a good crop for smallholder farmers in marginal areas.
Despite their many benefits, millets have been largely neglected in recent years in favor of other crops such as wheat, rice, and maize. This has led to a decline in the production and consumption of millets, which has had negative consequences for both farmers and consumers. By promoting millets as a nutritious and sustainable food crop, the International Year of Millet aims to reverse this trend and encourage more people to grow and consume millets.
The International Year of Millet will involve a range of activities and events, including conferences, workshops, and awareness campaigns. These events will be organized by a variety of stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, research institutions, and the private sector. The initiative will also involve the development of new products and value-added products based on millets, as well as the promotion of millets in schools and other educational settings.
The International Year of Millet has the potential to make a significant contribution to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable agriculture. By promoting millets as a nutritious and sustainable food crop, the initiative can help to improve the lives of millions of people around the world.
Why Millets Called Supper Crops ?
Millet is a group of small-seeded grasses that are grown in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa and Asia. Millets have been an important food crop for thousands of years and have been grown in regions where other cereal crops struggle to grow due to harsh climates, poor soil conditions, and limited water availability. Here are some of the production and consumption benefits of millets:
1. Drought Tolerance:
Millets are drought-resistant crops that require less water than other cereal crops. This makes them a valuable crop in regions with low rainfall and limited water resources.
2. Climate Resilience:
Millets are more resistant to climate change than other cereal crops. They can grow in a range of temperatures, from hot and dry to cool and wet, making them a valuable crop in areas that are vulnerable to climate change.
3. Soil Health:
Millets are known for their ability to improve soil health. They have deep roots that help to loosen soil, improve soil structure, and increase soil organic matter. This can improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, and enhance the soil's ability to retain water.
4. Nutritional Value:
Millets are highly nutritious and contain a range of vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins. They are also gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, making them a valuable food for people with celiac disease or diabetes.
5. Health Benefits:
Millets have been linked to a range of health benefits, including lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. They are also high in fiber, which can help to reduce cholesterol levels and promote digestive health.
6. Economic Benefits:
Millets are often grown by smallholder farmers, who rely on them for food and income. By promoting the production and consumption of millets, governments and development organizations can help to support smallholder farmers and promote economic development in rural areas.
conclusion:
Overall, the production and consumption of millets have a range of benefits, including improved food security, increased resilience to climate change, enhanced soil health, and better nutrition and health outcomes for consumers. By promoting the production and consumption of millets, we can help to build a more sustainable and resilient food system that benefits both people and the planet.
