Nutritional security through millets

Nutritional insecurity is a major health concern in India which can be eliminated by the intake of
a wide range of foods which provide the essential nutrients needed for the well-being of human
beings. Nowadays majority of the population depends on cereal-based diet and refined products
as their primary source of energy. This cereal based diet and refined food products provides high
calories but lack in many of the important nutrients like crude fibre, proteins, minerals,
antioxidants and vitamins which results in nutritional insecurity. Experiencing this nutritional
insecurity results in many health problems like malnourishment, micro nutrient deficiencies and
chronic diseases. In this case millets serves as a solution to prevent nutritional insecurity as they
are rich in protein, fibre, iron, calcium, essential amino acids, antioxidants and vitamins. Millets
are considered superior to major cereal crops like rice, wheat and maize as their grains. Millets
are one of the ancient grains that are being cultivated and consumed by the people.They can
adapt themselves to marginal soils and varied environmental conditions. India is the largest
producer of millets in the world. Worldwide India ranks first place in bajra production and fourth
place in jowar production in the year 2020. Area under cultivation of minor millets also need to
be encouraged in India. Few state governments in India have already introduced millets in the
mid-day meal programmes of schools but still, there was a higher percentage of children
suffering with stunting, wasting, under weight. For a complete eradication of nutritional
insecurity millets need to be introduced in mid-day meal programmes of all the schools and
anganwadi centres. Including millets in various dietary intervention programmes and in Public
Distribution System (PDS) will be of great help to address nutritional insecurity.