Did you know that 12-year-old Harshita Priyadarshini Mohanty in Odisha has preserved more than 60 rare millet varieties? Inspired by Padma Shri farmer Kamala Pujari, Harshita distributes these seeds for free and has even showcased her collection to the Honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. This remarkable effort highlights the growing recognition and revival of millets.

Age-old food practices are making a comeback, and one of the biggest trends of this decade is the resurgence of millets. The United Nations has declared 2023 as the Year of Millets, with India playing a crucial role as the world’s largest producer of these ancient grains.

Millets have been cultivated for thousands of years but have been overshadowed by the Green Revolution’s focus on high-yield crops like wheat and rice. However, as we face growing environmental challenges and food security issues, millets are reemerging as a promising solution for sustainable agriculture. This resurgence is driven by their ability to address the very issues that modern agriculture struggles with.

These small-seeded grasses, cultivated as cereal crops, offer significant benefits for both the environment and human nutrition. Millets conserve resources by requiring less water, can thrive in various terrains and weather conditions—including deserts, enhance soil structure, and are more nutritious than many conventional crops. This combination of attributes positions millets as a superior solution for current and future agricultural needs.

1. The Water-Saving Wonder

Did you know that pearl millet can grow with just 353 litres of water per kilogram of grain? This is in stark contrast to rice, which requires over 2,500 litres for the same amount! This remarkable water efficiency makes millets an excellent choice for regions vulnerable to drought or with limited water resources. Additionally, their short growing season of 60-120 days allows for quicker harvesting and supports agriculture and food availability in various ways.

2. Soil Health and Biodiversity Champions

Millets have strong root systems that help prevent soil erosion and improve soil structure. When grown in mixed cropping systems, millets promote biodiversity both above and below ground. This improvement in soil health can have long-lasting benefits for overall agricultural productivity. Consequently, it also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and their impact on the soil.

3. Climate Strong

Given the changing climate, there is a need for crops that can adapt to unpredictable weather patterns. Millets are capable of withstanding high temperatures and growing in poor soils, where other crops might fail. Certain millet varieties can survive in temperatures up to 46°C (115°F) and can be cultivated at altitudes of up to 2000 meters above sea level!

4. Nutritional Powerhouse

Millets offer not only environmental benefits but also significant nutritional advantages. They are rich in proteins, fibre, minerals, and vitamins. Finger Millet (Ragi) is one of the highest calcium-rich foods and has now become a common item in babies' diets (6 months of age and older).

Examples to Understand the Potential Impact of Millets

We all know that India faces severe water scarcity. It is home to approximately 18 per cent of the global population, yet has access to only 4 per cent of the world’s water resources. Rice, which is the most water-intensive crop, contributes to over 40% of India’s food production.

It is worth noting that each kilogram of rice consumes between 2500-3,500 litres of water and is also a significant source of methane emissions. On the other hand, millets such as Sorghum (jowar), Pearl Millet (bajra), and Finger Millet (ragi) require less than 30 per cent of the water needed for rice cultivation.

Furthermore, research suggests that wheat cultivation might become unfeasible due to the projected increase in global temperatures. Millets provide a sustainable alternative that can thrive in drought and high-temperature conditions. Millets also possess nutritional value equal to or greater than rice and wheat, ensuring that nutritional security is not compromised.

If we were to replace 25% of our rice consumption with millets, it could result in annual savings of up to 11 trillion litres of water - roughly 10% of our annual water requirement or more than the water needs of a couple of states in India.

How Millets Contribute to Sustainability

Resource conservation and regeneration are crucial aspects of sustainability to ensure that these resources are available for the use of future generations. Millets play a significant role in turning this into a reality. One example of this is water conservation. Furthermore, the adoption of millets aligns with the objectives of various Sustainable Development Goals, including:

- SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Millets, as a sustainable and nutrient-rich crop with drought resistance, are essential for global food security.

- SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Millets contribute to improved immunity, heart health, weight management, and diabetes prevention.

Millets have been incorporated into hot-cooked meals for children as part of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program in Orrisa. This initiative aims to improve nutrition and promote millet consumption from a young age, highlighting the nutritional benefits of this food grain.

Understanding Major Types of Millets

There are over 100 varieties of millet, but the focus of research is on 8 main varieties. 

• Major millets include Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet (Bajra), and Finger Millet (Ragi), which are commonly grown and consumed. They are also known as neutral millets.* 

• Minor millets such as Foxtail Millet, Proso Millet, Barnyard Millet, Little Millet, and Kodo Millet are less commonly cultivated but equally important. They are also known as positive millets.*

Addressing the Millets Gap: From Under-Consumption to Sustainable Solution

Old habits, preferences for other grains, and a significant lack of awareness about the benefits of millets are key reasons for their limited consumption. This is why 2023 was declared the International Year of Millets—to increase awareness about the nutritional and environmental advantages of these grains.

Despite their potential, the current under-consumption of millets highlights a critical gap. Millets are not only resource-efficient but also offer substantial nutritional benefits, making them a viable solution to pressing issues like climate change, rising food demand, and health concerns. Their gluten-free nature and low glycemic index further enhance their appeal. By embracing these ancient grains, we can simultaneously tackle challenges related to water conservation, soil health, nutrition, and climate resilience.

*Dr. Khader Vali, a recipient of the Padma Shri, also known as the Millet Man of India, has mentioned that positive millets have the potential to reverse diseases.