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| Why Does India Focus on Rice, Wheat and Potatoes Instead of Millets |
India is a country with diverse landscapes and a rich agricultural heritage. However, India faces the challenge of balancing food security and nutritional security. Moreover, India has achieved food security through the green revolution, but the great loss of the green revolution is that it has eliminated food diversity in India. This is because only wheat and rice are promoted by the Indian government.
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| Millets History |
On the other hand, millets were among the first crops to be cultivated in India and there is evidence of its consumption during the Indus Valley Civilization.
In India, millets were traditionally consumed, but due to the promotion of food security through the green revolution in the 1960s, millets became an orphan crop that was consumed less and almost forgotten. Before the green revolution, millets accounted for about 40% of all cereals grown, which has declined by 20% over the years
According to Niti Aayog
“Millet has been a staple of the Indian diet especially in rural India, for years and remains prevalent even today. ”
Why Millet is Not So Popular in India
Lack of Awareness
Low consumer awareness of the healthy nutritional profile of millets is also the main reason why people do not cultivate millets. People are not aware that millets are more nutritious as compared to wheat and rice.
Limited Marketability
Before 2018, the Indian government declared 2018 as the year of millets, followed by the International Year of Millets in 2023. No one was talking about millets and people still do not know about the different types of millets. Especially in North India, only Bajra (pearl millet) is used in Haryana and Rajasthan. So limited marketability is also a reason for the backlog in millets.
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| Green Revolution Effect |
Government policy roadblocks:
The Indian government strongly supports wheat and rice production in India. The government offers minimum support price (MSP) and subsidies only for these crops, which motivates farmers to grow rice and wheat and other cash crops like sugarcane. Millet lacks such consistent support.
Cultural preference:
Rice, wheat and potatoes have been ingrained in Indian food culture for generations. The taste buds of Indians have become accustomed to these foods through many years of consumption. The deep-rooted dietary habits have made them familiar and comfortable with rice and wheat varieties. Millet is therefore perceived as less tasty.
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| Cultural Preferences |
Lower yield:
Compared to rice and wheat, millets often have a lower yield. Farmers therefore face low profitability, which discourages them from growing it.
Perception as “famine food”:
We all know that millets are also known as the “poor man’s crop” and are often associated with poverty and deprivation in India. This kind of negative perception of millets hinders their cultivation and acceptance of millet.
Deep-rooted eating habits:
Our ingrained food habits are also responsible for the low acceptance of millets. We all know that wheat and rice dominate our diet. Therefore, it is not easy to replace these foods with millets.
Why India Embrace Millets:
let’s discuss why India prioritises Millets.
Overcoming nutritional deficiencies:
Wheat, rice and potatoes have contributed to micronutrient deficiencies. These crops are deficient in various vitamins, minerals and micronutrients. Millets, on the other hand, are enriched with all these essential nutrients and micronutrients. Millets can help address widespread micronutrient deficiencies, especially among women and children.
Millets benefits for gut health
Move Towards sustainable agriculture:
Rice is a water-intensive crop, and both rice and wheat require more water and fertilisers to grow these crops. Millet, on the other hand, doesn’t require as much water and fertiliser. Millets are a very low-maintenance crop that can be grown in areas with drought and temperatures below 50°C, making it a low-maintenance crop.
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| Move towards Sustainable Agriculture |
Millets are also good for the soil, as their deep roots loosen up the dense soil and add a lot of organic matter that makes the soil strong.
New economic opportunities:
The promotion of millets can create new markets for farmers. Compared to other staple crops, millets require less water and agricultural inputs. This makes it an attractive choice for small and marginal farmers. Small farmers also benefit due to shorter growing seasons and lower input costs.
New Industrial opportunities
Promoting the consumption and production of millet brings more diversity to the trade. By promoting these underappreciated crops, we can make markets more resilient and create new employment opportunities for smallholder farmers, processors and start-ups.
Culinary Innovation
Integrating millet into popular dishes and promoting dishes and promoting millet- based recipes. Try new innovative healthy recipes of millets.
Government initiatives for millets:
Despite many challenges, India recognizes the true potential of millets. The government has taken several initiatives:
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| Government Initiatives for Millets |
1.The National Millets Mission, and numerous start-ups are promoting millets. Promotion of millets cultivation, processing and consumption.
2.On the recommendations of the Indian
The United Nations declared 2023 the International year of millets.
3.India promotes millets in the G20 summit presidency as the main and focused ingredient of the G20 summit menu.
4.production linked incentive scheme for the food processing industry for millet- based products (2022-23 to 22026-27) .
5.Indian government also plans to provide financial and technical support to farmers to encourage the production of millet. Promoting millet cultivation through various programs and schemes.
Prepare a Brighter Plate for India
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| Prepare a Bright Plate for India |
Millets aren’t just about replacing existing crops; they offer a pathway towards a more diversified, nutritious, and sustainable food system. By addressing the challenges and harnessing the potential of these “nutritional champions,” India can move towards a future where food security doesn’t come at the cost of nutritional insecurity. Let’s celebrate the humble millet and give it its rightful place on India’s plate and farm!
Author bio
Komal Balyan
A health blogger and health & nutrition content writer.having more then three years of experience. My expertise lies in creating informative content on topics such as nutrition, fitness, and wellness. 🌟
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