At a meeting in New Delhi, experts discussed the declining trend of millet cultivation and its impact on food security and health to develop policies and strategies for encouraging millet consumption and promoting sustainable health
CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) organised a landmark Expert Review Meeting in New Delhi under the project "Enhancing Nutritional Security and Sustainable Health through Millets in India: a Policy Perspective". The event brought together key experts from the millet industry, researchers, and policy domains to discuss the development of the millet value chain in India.
Dr Dayakar Rao B, Principal Scientist at ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, highlighted a disturbing trend in India, noting a 60 percent decline in millet cultivation since 1950. This decline, attributed to a lack of policy and market-driven demand, underscores the need for a millet revolution. The neglect spanning six decades has resulted in imbalances in the millet supply chain, characterised by unorganised practices and farmer disinterest. Addressing this issue requires informed efforts to convey millets' significance and stimulate supply and demand.
Dr Alka Singh, a distinguished Professor and Principal Scientist from the Division of Agricultural Economics at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, emphasised the significant shift in our dietary habits before and after the Green Revolution when our parents primarily consumed millet rotis. This traditional practice, deeply ingrained in our food system, has undergone behavioural changes. Raising awareness among farmers and children about the relative profitability of these crops is crucial, as some millets are regionally specific and have not gained widespread popularity across the nation.
The NIScPR initiative goes beyond the cultivation of traditional crops. It suggests creating a separate board for millet to improve coordination and develop a policy for millet. Encouraging millet consumption is crucial, and people should receive education from experts on this subject.
Dr. Suman Ray, Principal Scientist & PI of the Millet project at CSIR-NIScPR, presented an overview of the project, setting the context for the diverse experiences of millet industry stakeholders and experts. The first-hand accounts from Shubhangi Singh (Founder of Ancient Golden Mill), Shri Rahul Dixit (CEO, Agro Shrey Global Impex Company), Palak Arora (Founder of SatGuru Superfoods), Debika Mukherji (Founder, Divavi-Gaon Ka Bazar), and Dr Jyothi Lakshmi A, Sr. Principal Scientist, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru (joined online) highlighted the challenges and successes within the millet industry.