Move over rice and wheat, there’s a new crop in town! Millet, a small-seeded grass that has been cultivated for thousands of years, is rapidly gaining popularity globally. With its low maintenance requirements and incredible health benefits, it’s no wonder millet is becoming the go-to crop for farmers and consumers alike.
So what exactly is millet? Millets are a diverse group of grains that are widely grown across the world as both cereal crops and fodder. They take less time to grow and mature compared to other crops, such as rice and wheat, making them a practical choice for farmers.
India is the world’s top producer of millet, and the fifth largest exporter, thanks to its incredible resilience in harsh climate conditions and its ability to help combat critical issues such as food and fuel shortages, malnutrition, and climate change. As the world becomes increasingly health-conscious, the demand for healthy and nutritious foods has grown significantly.
Among the many crops being produced, millets have become increasingly popular globally due to their numerous health benefits. In this article, we shall discuss the reasons behind the global growth of millets and their many benefits.
Reasons behind the Global Growth of Millets?
The global growth of millets can be attributed to several reasons:
Health Benefits
One of the primary reasons behind the global growth of millets is their numerous health benefits. Millets are a rich source of antioxidants, minerals, and protein. Different millets have varying attributes and kinds of fibre, which helps regulate bowel function, lipids, and sugar. They are also gluten-free and thus are an excellent option for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Millets have been found to reduce the risk of diabetes and work as a safeguard against obesity.
Climate Resilience
Millets are one of the few crops that can be grown in harsh climate conditions. They require less water and are highly drought-resistant. This quality makes them an ideal crop for regions that experience seasonal weather variations. The cultivation of millets can help farmers mitigate the risks associated with climate change and variability.
Sustainable Farming Practices
Millets can be grown using sustainable farming practices. They require less fertilizer and can be grown using organic farming methods. Farmers may cut their expenses and boost their revenues by incorporating these practices. The growing demand for millets has also created new opportunities for small-scale farmers, who can now sell their products to global markets.
Versatile Uses
Millets can be utilised in a variety of ways. In various cuisines, they may be used in place of rice or wheat. They are also used in the production of beer, vinegar, and other fermented products. Millets are a versatile crop that can be used in a variety of food and non-food products.
Benefits of Millets
The consumption of millets offers numerous benefits, including:
Improved Digestion
Millets are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps regulate bowel function and prevent constipation. They are also a good source of prebiotics, which helps promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Heart Health
Millets are a rich source of magnesium, which helps regulate heart rhythm. They also contain vitamin B3, which helps reduce the risk of certain heart diseases.
Diabetes Control
Millets release glucose into the circulation gradually since they have a low glycemic index (GI). This quality makes them an excellent option for people with diabetes, as they help regulate blood sugar levels.
The global growth of millets is a result of their numerous health benefits, climate resilience, sustainable farming practices, and versatile uses. Millets are a crop that can benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment. As consumers become increasingly health-conscious, the demand for millets is expected to grow even further.
The cultivation of millets offers new opportunities for farmers, who can now sell their produce to global markets. In conclusion, the global growth of millets is a positive trend that can benefit everyone from consumers, retailers to farmers.
Author
Shammi Agarwal, Director, Pansari Group
