Millets and it's importance

2. MILLET
– Millets are a group of highly variable small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the
world as crops or grains for fodder and human food.
– Millets are important crops in the semiarid tropics of Asia and Africa (especially in India,
Mali, Nigeria, and Niger), with 97% of millet production in developing countries.
– The crop is favored due to its productivity and short growing season under dry, high-
temperature conditions.
– The most widely grown millet is pearl millet, which is an important crop in India and
parts of Africa. Finger millet, Proso millet, and Foxtail millet are also important crop
species.

3. Global Distribution and
Production of Millets
– The global production of pearl millets is 28.4 million tonnes during 2014.
– Asia and Africa are the major contributors of worlds total pearl millets
production contributing more than 98% of the global production.
– The share of African countries in global millets production has come down from
49.22% in 2010 to 43.72% during 2014, whereas the contribution from Asian
countries has increased to 52.25% from 48.72% during 2010.

4. Distribution of Millets in India
– India is the top most producers of millets followed by Nigeria for the year 2000 and 2009.
– In India, eight millets species (Sorghum, Pearl millet,Finger millet, Foxtail millet, Kodo millet,
Proso millet, Barnyard millet and Little millet) are commonly cultivated under rain fed conditions.
– The spatial distribution of millets either as a primary crop or as allied crops largely depends on
the growing habitat and the amount of rainfall the region receives.
Annual rainfall Millet
Beyond 400 mm Sorghum
350 mm Pearl millet
Less than 350mm Foxtail millet, barnyard millet, proso
millet etc.

5. – Year 2023 was celebrated as International
year of millets to create awareness and a
sense of participation in the country about
the ancient and forgotten golden grains.
– Many events were launched such as
‘India’s Wealth, Millets for health’ , Millet
startup Innovation Challenge , Mighty
Millets Quiz, Logo and slogan contest etc.

8. Medicinal
benefit of
Millet

9. Cardiovascular disease
– Being a rich source of magnesium, millets helps in
reducing blood pressure and risk of heart attack.
– Potassium present in millets helps in keeping blood
pressure low by acting as vasodilator and help to
reduce cardiovascular risk.
– The high fibre present in millets plays a major role in
cholesterol lowering eliminating LDL.

10. Diabetes Mellitus
– It is considered as the most common endocrine
disorder caused due to alteration in carbohydrate,
protein and lipid metabolism.
– The efficiency of insulin and glucose receptors in the
body is increased by significant levels of magnesium
content present in millets and helps in preventing
diabetes.

11. Gastrointestinal Disorders
– An immune mediated disease called celiac disease which is usually triggered by
the ingestion of gluten in susceptible individuals.
– As millets are gluten free, they have considerable potential in foods and
beverages and can meet the growing demand for gluten free foods and will be
suitable for individuals suffering from celiac disease.
– Fiber content in millets helps in eliminating disorders like constipation, excess
gas, bloating and cramping

12. Cancer
– Sorghum: Anti-carcinogenic properties of sorghum have been well documented.
In Vivo and In Vitro studies have shown consumption of sorghum has positive
health impacts on cancer. The polyphenols and tannins present in sorghum have
anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties (Grimmer et al., 1992) .

13. Helps in weight loss
– The biggest challenge faced by people trying to lose weight is controlling their
food intake.
– Millet can aid the process of weight loss as it is high in fibre content. Owing to
its fibre content it takes longer for the grain to move from the stomach to the
intestines.
– This way, pearl millet satiates hunger for a long period of time and thus helps in
lowering the overall consumption of food.

14. MILLETS: THE UNSUNG
HEROS OF SUSTAINABILITY
1.Resilience:
Millets are superfood grains. They’re special because they can thrive in various weather conditions, even in
areas with little rainfall. This makes them perfect for farming in dry regions, reducing the amount of water
needed to grow them.
2. Low Resource Requirements:
Millets are pretty cool because they don’t need a lot of water or chemicals to grow, unlike regular crops like
rice and wheat. Some millet types can do well with just rainwater, which means we don’t have to use as
much irrigation and it’s better for the environment.
3. Biodiversity Conservation:
– Growing millets is good for nature. They can be planted with other crops, helping different plants take
turns in the same soil and reducing the need for harmful pesticides. This isn’t just good for the environment
but also makes the whole farming system healthier.

15. 4. Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
– Making millets is way better for the planet than making rice and wheat. Millet
production creates way fewer greenhouse gases, which is good for fighting
climate change and supporting eco-friendly farming.
5. Soil health:
– Millets are low input crops that helps in maintaining soil fertility and reduces soil
erosion, enhancing the overall health of agricultural ecosystems.