Kush MotwaniAIR 11 · CSE 2023 · 243 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening · a date or context
FAO and UN have declared 2023 as International Year of Millets, and honorable Prime Minister has referred to as millets as Sri Anna with reverence, as a key part of Indian culture since pre-historic times.
Potential of millet production in India for sustainable agriculture:
Body · points
Area under cultivation: → reduced from 35 million hectares in 1947 to 15 million hectares in 2022 → ie, ~60% decrease → increase in area under cultivation will lead to sustainable agriculture over much larger area.
Climate resilience: → DROUGHT resistant → need less water → SDG 6 (clean water). → can grow in poor soil conditions → can help to bring back degraded lands → SDG 15; Life on land.
Adaptability to wide range of temperature.
Provide ecosystem services ↓ Replenishing soil nutrients //
Less resource intensive: (low investment reqd) ↓ FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Potential to improve food security:
Rich source of nutrients
- fiber
- protein (higher than wheat and rice)
- vitamins
- minerals
Gluten free
Low glycemic index ↓ suitable for people with high sugar/diabetes ↓ Relevant in this era of lifestyle diseases.
Answer to triple burden of malnutrition
Challenges → less R&D → lower productivity → lacking awareness → not part of MSP
Close · a way forward
Recent steps such as introduction in Mid Day meal will go a long way in increasing the relevance of millets. Millet Revolution will lead to food security in era of climate change
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