Answer:

Introduction         

On the recommendation of India, the United Nations proclaimed 2023 to be the International Year of the Millet. Resilient cereals, like millets, offers a cheap and wholesome alternative for nutritional values, hence encouraging their production must be prioritised. Millet’s cultivation may play a significant role towards empowering small-holder farmers, accomplish sustainable development, and end hunger.

Body 

Millet cultivation is beneficial for both nutritional security and environmental sustainability in the following ways 

Nutritional Security

• High Nutrient Content: Millets like finger millet, pearl millet, and foxtail millet are packed with vital nutrients, which can reduce micronutrient deficiencies. E.g. Finger millet alone has 30 times more calcium than rice, making it incredibly beneficial for bone health.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: With gluten sensitivities and celiac disease on the rise, millets serve as a valuable gluten-free grain option. This not only opens up diversity in diets but also caters to a growing health need.
• Low Glycaemic Index: Foods like foxtail millet are low on the glycaemic index, which is incredibly important for managing blood sugar levels. This makes millets an essential inclusion in the diet of diabetics, helping to manage or even prevent the condition.
• Diverse Applications: The culinary flexibility of millets ensures they can be included in a variety of dishes. For instance, “Ragi Mudde,” a traditional South Indian dish, is a prime example of how millets can be both delicious and nutritious.
• Combat Malnutrition: Countries like India are grappling with malnutrition, particularly among children and women. Government schemes have started including millets like pearl millet in mid-day meals to combat this crisis effectively.

Environmental Sustainability

• Low Water Requirement: The stark difference in water needs between millets and other staple crops like rice is staggering. As compared to the requirement of 5000 litres of water to grow 1 kg of rice, millets require only between 650-1200 litres of water.
• Climate Resilience: Millets are remarkably hardy crops, capable of growing in poor soil conditions and extreme temperatures. This adaptability makes them indispensable for countries like India, where large swaths of land are arid or semi-arid.
• Soil Health: Growing millets can enhance soil fertility. For example, farmers in regions like Karnataka employ crop rotation techniques, incorporating finger millet alongside legumes to enrich the soil naturally.
• Carbon Sequestration: Studies at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, have demonstrated that the unique root structure of millets can effectively sequester carbon, thereby mitigating the harmful effects of climate change.

Conclusion

Promoting millet cultivation offers a win-win solution for nutritional security and environmental sustainability. Measures like Nutrient Management Programs, Research for High-Yielding Varieties, Implement MSP for Millets, Strengthening Market Access, etc; can help India to turn this ancient grain into a modern solution for its agricultural and health challenges.