Que. Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India.
भारत में स्वास्थ्य एवं पोषण की सुरक्षा को सुनिश्चित करने के लिए मोटे अनाजों की भूमिका को समझाइए।
Structure of the Answer
(i) Introduction: Highlight the role of “millets” in enhancing “health and nutritional security” in India through nutritional, economic, and sustainable agriculture benefits.
(ii) Main Body: Discuss “nutritional contributions,” “agricultural sustainability,” and “food security” benefits of millets, addressing India’s health and economic development needs.
(iii) Conclusion: Emphasize the importance of promoting millets to ensure India’s “nutrition security” and sustainable growth in agriculture and public health.
Introduction
“Millets” are nutrient-dense grains essential for India’s “health and nutritional security,” offering a sustainable alternative to common staples. They address malnutrition, improve public health, and support “agricultural resilience,” especially critical in water-scarce regions.
Nutritional Contributions of Millets
(i) Rich in Essential Nutrients: Millets contain vital “nutrients” such as iron, calcium, and zinc, aiding in reducing “nutritional deficiencies” and improving immunity, crucial in India’s rural population.
(ii) High Fiber Content for Digestion: Millets’ “fiber” supports digestion, prevents constipation, and helps in weight management, promoting “digestive health” essential for all age groups.
(iii) Low Glycemic Index for Diabetes Control: With a low glycemic index, millets stabilize blood sugar, helping manage “diabetes” in a nation with high diabetic populations.
(iv) Antioxidants for Disease Prevention: The presence of antioxidants in millets reduces “oxidative stress,” potentially lowering risks of chronic diseases like “cardiovascular disease” and cancer.
(v) Protein Source for Low-Income Groups: Millets are a cost-effective source of protein, meeting the protein needs of “low-income” communities and reducing dependency on costly animal protein.
Millets’ Role in Agricultural Sustainability
(i) Drought Resistance and Low Water Requirement: Millets require minimal water and are highly “drought-resistant,” making them viable in semi-arid regions and promoting “water-efficient” agriculture.
(ii) Minimal Use of Fertilizers and Pesticides: With low input needs, millets reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, fostering “environmentally friendly” farming practices.
(iii) Climate Resilience for Stable Yields: Millets withstand “climate extremes” like heat and erratic rainfall, essential for “food security” in times of climate instability.
(iv) Improved Soil Health through Organic Matter: Millet cultivation improves “soil structure” and fertility, preventing erosion and supporting sustainable land management practices in farming communities.
(v) Crop Diversification and Risk Management: Millets add diversity to cropping patterns, mitigating risks associated with monoculture and increasing resilience against crop failures.
Food Security and Economic Impact of Millets
(i) Affordable Nutritional Staple for Low-Income Households: Millets provide a low-cost, nutritious option for the underprivileged, enhancing “food access” and affordability in low-income communities.
(ii) Reducing Dependence on Imported Grains: By promoting millets, India can reduce reliance on imported grains, strengthening “food sovereignty” and economic stability in agriculture.
(iii) Employment and Income for Rural Farmers: Millet farming creates job opportunities and income sources for smallholder farmers, supporting “rural development” and economic upliftment.
(iv) Enhancing Food Security in Drought-Prone Regions: Millets are a resilient food option for arid regions, ensuring stable “food supplies” despite erratic rainfall patterns.
(v) Promoting Dietary Diversity and Balanced Nutrition: Introducing millets into daily diets promotes “dietary diversity,” essential for balanced nutrition and long-term health benefits.
Conclusion
Promoting “millets” strengthens India’s “nutritional security” and supports sustainable agriculture, enhancing resilience in health and food systems. With policy focus, millets can be integral to India’s vision for healthier, self-sufficient growth.
