Millet

Why in News?

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
- India declared 2018 as the National Year of Millets.
Millets are growing in popularity across the globe because of their high nutritional values.

Millets are some of the earliest cultivated grains, dating back to the prehistoric age.
Millets have special nutritive properties and special agronomic characteristics (drought-resistant and suitable for semi-arid regions).
Every millet’s variety contains nutrients, including calcium, carbohydrates, iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
They contain vitamins such as folic acid, vitamin B6, β- Carotene, and niacin in abundance.

60 years ago, millets comprised up to 40% of the cultivated grain in India, more than rice and wheat.
India is the largest producer of millet in the world.
- (sub-point) India produces 15 million MT of millet annually.
- Rajasthan has the highest area under millets cultivation (31.3%).
India is the second-largest exporter of millet.

Climate Resilient Staple Food Crops: Millets are drought-resistant, require less water and can grow in poor soil conditions. This makes them a suitable food crop for areas with unpredictable weather patterns and water scarcity.
Rich in nutrients: Millets are a good source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Gluten-free: Millets are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Adaptable: Millets can be grown in a variety of soils and climates, making them a versatile crop option for farmers.
Sustainable: Millets are often grown using traditional farming methods, which are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than modern, industrial farming practices.