Year 2018 is declared as the National Year of millets, to raise awareness regarding Benefits/Production of millets,
Basic information about Millets :
- Millets are coarse grain (Jowar, Ragi , Bajra, Kora, Sama, Sanwa , Arke etc.). These are also known as food of the poor.
- Millets can be grown on variety of soils – arid, semi-arid, loamy soils etc. suitable for cultivation in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka etc.
- India is the largest producer of millets in the world.
- It has very less input cost and thus can support livelihood of poor farmers.
- It consumes less water and has shorter growing period.
- These are less prone to pest attack and disease.
- They are suitable for mixed farming because of its usage as both food and fodder.
- These are rich in vitamins and minerals like- iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium and potassium. Thus, they can be useful in reducing poverty, hunger and malnutrition, thereby, fulfilling SDG goals.
- These are also beneficial for diabetic patients.
- These crops are having good carbon sequestration qualities. So, they can be helpful in mitigating global warming.