Conscious and mindful eating coupled with climate change awareness will boost production and consumption of climate-resilient foods like millets
According to the sixth edition of The Godrej Foods Trends Report 2023 – India – An Atlas of Flavours, 70% of the panelists feel that seasonal and local ingredients like desi rice and millet varieties, doodhi (bottle gourd), tinda (apple gourd), bhindi (Okra) will see more demand in 2023.
The Godrej Foods Trends Report 2023 brought together over 350+ thought leaders, including celebrity chefs, home chefs, professional chefs, food bloggers, health professionals, media professionals, mixologists, nutritionists, restaurateurs, sommeliers, food producers, and others, who all shared deep insights into their respective areas of expertise.
Released by Tanya Dubash - Executive Director & Chief Brand Officer, Godrej Industries Limited, the report says, India is all set to be acknowledged as an Atlas of food in 2023. As more individuals exercise mindful eating, local and seasonal foods, particularly millets, are in high demand. 2023 has been designated as the International Year Of Millets, by the United Nations on India’s proposal.
Millets, known for their resilience, versatility, and health benefits, have been a traditional staple in many parts of India. Recognising their immense potential, the country has embarked on a mission to revive millet cultivation, consumption, and exports.
The Indian government, in collaboration with various organizations and stakeholders, has launched initiatives to increase millet production and consumption. It has implemented programs to educate farmers about the benefits of millets and provide them with technical support and financial incentives. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices and emphasising the importance of climate-resilient crops like millets, India aims to enhance food security and promote biodiversity.
India's efforts to become a global millet hub extend beyond its borders. The country has ramped up its millet exports, catering to the growing demand for these grains worldwide. It has established partnerships with international organizations and participated in global conferences to showcase its diverse millet varieties and their nutritional value. Through these initiatives, India is actively positioning itself as a reliable supplier of millets, meeting the needs of health-conscious consumers globally.
The government has taken steps to promote millet-based food products and incorporate them into the public distribution system, mid-day meals in schools, and other government schemes. The administration is pushing more research and development and has unveiled several initiatives to further this aim. This not only encourages the domestic consumption of millets but also highlights their potential as a sustainable and nutritious food source for the masses.
India's push for millets is driven by their numerous benefits, including their high nutritional content, low water requirement, and adaptability to different agro-climatic conditions. By embracing these ancient grains and championing their production, India is not only revitalizing its agricultural landscape but also making a significant contribution to global food security and sustainable development.