Millets

• A parliamentary standing committee on ‘Coarse grains production and distribution’ has suggested
  • setting up at least one shop in each district through the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Tribes India and women’s self-help groups (SHGs) to exclusively sell millets and millet-based products, and
  • Asked the government to explore the possibility of distributing millets under the targeted public distribution system (TPDS) and other welfare schemes, as is already happening in some states.

About Millets

• Millets are collective group of small-seeded annual grasses that are grown as grain crops, primarily on marginal land in dry areas of temperate, sub-tropical and tropical regions.
  • These have been named and branded now as Shree Anna.
• India produces all the nine commonly known millets and is the largest producer and fifth-largest exporter of millets in the world.
• Major millets include sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet, while minor millets include foxtail, little millet, kodo, proso, and barnyard millet.
• Globally, India, Nigeria and China are the largest producers of millets in the world, accounting for more than 55% of the global production.
• Advantages
  • Millets are drought-resistant, require less water and can grow in poor soil conditions.
  • These are a good source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
  • These are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
  • Millets can be grown in a variety of soils and climates, making them a versatile crop option for farmers.
• The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
  • National Year of Millets was celebrated in 2018.