By Stefano Padulosi and Oliver King
An important milestone was reached on 13 April in the further popularization of minor millets in India. With a Notification in the National Gazette, the Indian Government has formally accepted the inclusion of these species into the Public Distribution System (PDS) and has requested all States to take the necessary actions for mainstreaming these species into relevant schemes and programs aimed at furthering their use. Worth reporting here the text of the Notification for its clarity and meaningful wording, highlighting the multiple values of these underutilized species:
Whereas, millets hold great potential in contributing substantially to food and nutritional security of the country and thus they are not only a powerhouse of nutrients, but also are climate resilient crops and possess unique nutritional characteristics; And whereas, recent research findings also show that millets contain anti-diabetic properties and millet based food have low GI and reduces the postprandial blood glucose level and glycosylated haemoglobin; And whereas, a Committee constituted by the Central Government for examination of inclusion of millets in the Public Distribution System (PDS) for improving nutritional support has recommended for inclusion of millets in PDS across the country and the same has been accepted by the Central Government; Now, therefore, the Central Government hereby declare millets comprising Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet (Bajra), Finger Millet (Ragi/Mandua), Minor Millets i.e. Foxtail Millet (Kangani/Kakun), Proso Millet (Cheena), Kodo Millet (Kodo), Barnyard Millet (Sawa/Sanwa/ Jhangora), Little Millet (Kutki) and two Pseudo Millets (Black-wheat (Kuttu) and Amaranthus (Chaulai) which have high nutritive value as “NutriCereals” for production, consumption and trade point of view - MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE (Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare) NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 10th April, 2018 F.No. 4-4/2017-NFSM (E).
This is a very timely development as India has requested the United Nations to declare 2018 the International Year of Millets and the scientific community gathered in Chennai on 15-17 April, reiterating once again the unique contribution of these species in building resilient and sustainable production and food systems.