The year 2023 marks a momentous occasion in the world of food and agriculture as it has been designated as the International Year of Millets (IYM2023) by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations (UN).
This global recognition aims to raise awareness about the health and nutritional benefits of millets, celebrating their significance in agriculture, and promoting their consumption to combat food insecurity and malnutrition. Among the countries championing the cause is our own, which has proposed to fervently celebrate 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
Millets are a group of small-seeded, ancient cereal grains that have been a staple food for thousands of years, particularly in Asia and Africa. In recent times, however, the spotlight had shifted away from these nutrition-packed grains, leading to a decline in their cultivation and consumption. The International Year of Millets provides a much-needed platform to rekindle interest in these forgotten gems and rediscover their immense potential.
Millets are a nutritional powerhouse, offering an array of health benefits. They are rich sources of essential nutrients such as fiber, protein, vitamins (B-complex vitamins and Vitamin E), minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus), and antioxidants. These nutrients collectively contribute to better digestive health, increased energy levels, enhanced immunity, and improved bone strength and therefore can play a major role in our battle against malnutrition, ensuring nutritional security to all.
Furthermore, millets are naturally gluten-free. For people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, millets serve as a perfect alternative to wheat and other gluten-containing grains. Moreover, millets have a low glycemic index, making them an excellent choice for individuals looking to manage their blood sugar levels. They are easily digestible and light on the stomach, promoting overall digestive well-being.
Apart from being a superfood helping us in our journey to live a healthier life, millets can also aid us in combating climate change and conserving resources by making agriculture more sustainable, as the cultivation of millets requires significantly less water compared to conventional grains like rice and wheat.
This also implies that reviving the cultivation and consumption of millets can have a positive impact on small-scale farmers. Small-scale farmers usually have poor access to proper resources and irrigating facilities and millets being hardy crops that grow well in dry and marginal lands, requiring minimal inputs can provide them with a means of sustenance and financial stability. Further, it will also foster agricultural biodiversity and reduce the dependence on mono-cropping practices.
But, despite these inherent benefits, there would still be many foodies who’d be concerned that millets may not live up to their palate’s expectations. However, millets score well in this regard as well.
Millets boast incredible culinary versatility, lending themselves to a wide range of dishes. From traditional chapatis, breads and soups to innovative salads, desserts, pulaos, pizzas, etc, millets can add a nutritious twist to any meal.
Thus, Millets not only offer unparalleled health benefits with delectable dishes, they also present a viable solution to combat malnutrition and food insecurity. As we celebrate the International Year of Millets, let us embrace the greatness of these versatile grains, incorporating them into our diets and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Together, we can foster a healthier and more sustainable world by honoring the nutritional marvels that are millets.
Feature image provided by author.