Tracing back its earliest roots to the Harappan Civilisation, Millet and its rich nutritional history have been overshadowed by modern-day staples such as rice. However, banking on its vast nutritional richness, Millet is making a comeback into the limelight of the Food Industry. ITC Mission Millets Campaign is determined to bring back the lost glory of this super grain.
What are Millets?
Millets are whole grains that are coarse and small, and are also known as nutri-cereals or ‘Sri Anna’ owing to their nutritional properties, and can be incorporated into our daily diet in various forms. There are multiple kinds of millets. To name a few:
- Pearl Millet (Bajra)
- Sorghum Millet (Jowar)
- Finger Millet (Ragi)
- Little Millet
- Barnyard Millet
Millets are full of iron, calcium, zinc, B vitamins and anti-oxidants, they are naturally glute free and help control type 2 diabetes, hypertension and aid weight management.
Millets: Reclaiming the Nutritional Eminence of the Past in the Modern-Day
Originally, Millets were cultivated by ancient civilisations of Africa and Asia. Historical evidence traces the origins of this crop from around 3500 BC to 2000 BC. There’s also evidence of millet cultivation in the Korean peninsula, a commonly consumed staple back then.
However, with the passage of time and evolving preferences, Millet, also known as super grain or ‘Sri Anna’, stands far away from the concept of refined food. However, the narrative is all set to change now.
1. Rich Heritage of India’s Millets
India, being one of the world’s leading producers of millet, accounts for over 41% of the entire global production. These super grains, including pearl millet (bajra), finger millet (ragi), and foxtail millet (kangni), have been dietary staples for decades.
According to one of the primary goals of the Indian Institute of Millet Research, millet production should be scaled in India for agricultural benefits, diversified utilisation, and widespread nutritional uptake. With the resurgence of Millet in the 21st century, a wave of awareness is spreading regarding its nutritional benefits and sustainability.
2. Millet Sustainability
Besides the vast nutritional benefit millet provides, it is one of the hardest grains, as it can withstand challenging climatic conditions. Compared to rice millet requires much less water and is much more sustainable, especially in arid regions.
Also, as they are very resilient, they hardly require pesticides; thus, no chemicals are added, and they bear all their goodness naturally. This not only makes Millets easy to harvest but also convenient to store and distribute in a large country like India.
3. Contributing to a more food-secure world
Promoting Millet consumption is a failsafe way to address the burning problem of food shortage and problems of malnourishment in developing countries.
Millets: The Healthier Choice for Conscious Eaters
Let’s delve deeper into why Millets are considered a superfood and promoted in the food industry.
- Powerhouse of Nutrition– Millets are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals and are a rich source of fiber. Due to the low glycaemic index of Millet, it has made its way to the top food choice for diabetics and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Manage Gluten Intolerance– Yes! Millets are gluten-free and are the most preferred choice for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. People looking for vegetarian protein forms can consider millet a great source, especially finger millet.
- Heart-Healthy– According to research, millet contains polyphenols that have a functional role in regulating the antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities, which help in cardiovascular disease. It helps reduce oxidative stress that, in turn, helps reduce the LDL level and increases the good cholesterol.
- Treats Hypertension– According to an estimate in NFHS-5, 21% of women above the age of 15 and 24% of men above the same age were hypertensive. Fiber-intensive food helps control hypertension. Micronutrients like magnesium and calcium in millet help regulate high blood pressure.
Modern Kitchen Embracing Millets
Transitioning into a contemporary food choice of a modern kitchen, millet, with its versatility, allows one to explore a variety of culinary delights catering to overall well-being and something for everyone.
- Breakfast option: Breakfast is the most important day of the meal. With millet’s high fiber and protein content, one can make millet idlis, dosas & parathas along with their favourite veggies. This power-packed nutritious breakfast will help you charge the start of your day.
- Lunch: Make Millet porridge for lunch. The Gluten-free goodness of millet can give you a health boost. Also, it does not make you feel heavy post-meal, unlike other staples like rice. One can also try Millet burgers. A bowl of salad topped with some dry roasted millet will give you that crunch.
- Dinner: For dinner, many people prefer having something light. A bowl of soup and millet salad could be a perfect fit.
- Dessert: With millet, one can make a number of desserts, and one such is millet modak. You can also make millet muffins with jaggery and satiate your sweet cravings with a healthy twist.
Mile Hum Millet Ke Saath: Let’s Embrace a Healthier Tomorrow
The resurgence of millets is not a mere trend; it’s a movement towards a healthier, more sustainable future. Whether you’re a conscious eater, food enthusiast, or farmer, you can participate in this millet revolution.
Let’s be an agent of change in 2023 – ‘The International Year of Millets!’
With its carefully sourced grains and superior agri-value chain, ITC is a front-runner in the millet program. By weaving both ‘help India eat better’ and the ‘seven sutras’ of the Government of India’s millet goals together, ITC is bringing to you an entire millet-based food range.
In January 2023, ITC Ltd launched the Mission Millets campaign in association with News18. The campaign’s commitment to “Help India Eat Better” aims to mainstream millets and integrate them into their product offerings. The initiative, inspired by the Government of India’s thrust on millet promotion, strives to bring back the goodness of millet while integrating it into modern mainstream consumption for every Indian household. Mission Millet centralises focus on the nation’s well-being through re-introducing a forgotten desi staple. Positioned as a contemporary solution to one of India’s biggest challenges – ‘Triple Burden of Malnutrition,’ the initiative aims to achieve the twin objectives of nutrition and sustainability.
Visit https://betterwithmillets.com/ to learn more about Mission Millets by ITC & News18 and how you can be a part of it. Let’s manoeuvre this mission and land successfully in the golden times of Millets!
This is a partnered post.
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