Yojana Magazine January 2023 - 2 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


YOJANA   January 2023 25
nder the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Government of 
India proposed at the United Nations for declaring 2023 as the 
International Year of Millets. India’s proposal was supported by 72 
countries and United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 as 
the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) on 5
th
 March 2021. 
As India celebrated its glorious 76
th
 Independence Day on 15
th
 August 2022, 
in his speech from the ramparts of Red Fort, Prime Minister said that millets 
have been an integral part of India’s legacy. 
The celebration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets is a matter of 
immense pride for India and in particular for the farmer community. To take 
forward this declaration, the Government of India has decided to celebrate IYM 
2023 by making it a peoples’ movement or “Jan Andolan” to enhance awareness 
regarding millets as a healthy option for the food basket. Activities are also being 
taken up to propel demand creation of millets at both global and local levels, 
for better remuneration to the farmers for its production, to provide protection 
of sources (soil and water), and creation of direct and indirect employment. 
India produces more than 170 lakh tonnes of millets per year and is the largest 
producer of millets in the world; accounting for 20% of global production and 
80% of Asia’s production. India’s average yield of millets (1239 kg/hectare) is 
also higher than global-average yield of 1229 kg/hectare. Major millet crops 
India’s Wealth: Millet for Health
Dr Manisha Verma
The author is Additional Director-General (Media and Communication), PIB, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of 
India. Email: pibhealth@gmail.com
U
The Government of 
India has initiated 
the revival of 
millets in the past 
few years and 
declared 2018 
as the “National 
Year of Millets” to 
raise awareness 
about its health 
benefits and boost 
millet production. 
They are labelled 
as “Nutri-cereals” 
due to their high 
nutrition quotient. 
Millets were 
included under 
Prime Minister’s 
overarching 
scheme for holistic 
nutrition, POSHAN 
Abhiyan in the 
same year.
gRounDwoRk
Page 2


YOJANA   January 2023 25
nder the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Government of 
India proposed at the United Nations for declaring 2023 as the 
International Year of Millets. India’s proposal was supported by 72 
countries and United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 as 
the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) on 5
th
 March 2021. 
As India celebrated its glorious 76
th
 Independence Day on 15
th
 August 2022, 
in his speech from the ramparts of Red Fort, Prime Minister said that millets 
have been an integral part of India’s legacy. 
The celebration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets is a matter of 
immense pride for India and in particular for the farmer community. To take 
forward this declaration, the Government of India has decided to celebrate IYM 
2023 by making it a peoples’ movement or “Jan Andolan” to enhance awareness 
regarding millets as a healthy option for the food basket. Activities are also being 
taken up to propel demand creation of millets at both global and local levels, 
for better remuneration to the farmers for its production, to provide protection 
of sources (soil and water), and creation of direct and indirect employment. 
India produces more than 170 lakh tonnes of millets per year and is the largest 
producer of millets in the world; accounting for 20% of global production and 
80% of Asia’s production. India’s average yield of millets (1239 kg/hectare) is 
also higher than global-average yield of 1229 kg/hectare. Major millet crops 
India’s Wealth: Millet for Health
Dr Manisha Verma
The author is Additional Director-General (Media and Communication), PIB, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of 
India. Email: pibhealth@gmail.com
U
The Government of 
India has initiated 
the revival of 
millets in the past 
few years and 
declared 2018 
as the “National 
Year of Millets” to 
raise awareness 
about its health 
benefits and boost 
millet production. 
They are labelled 
as “Nutri-cereals” 
due to their high 
nutrition quotient. 
Millets were 
included under 
Prime Minister’s 
overarching 
scheme for holistic 
nutrition, POSHAN 
Abhiyan in the 
same year.
gRounDwoRk 26 YOJANA   January 2023
grown in India and their percentage share of production are 
Pearl Millet (Bajra) – 61% share, Jowar (Sorghum) – 27%, 
and Finger Millet (Mandua/Ragi) – 10%.
In his addresses on various national and international 
forums, the Prime Minister has highlighted how India is 
honoured to be at the forefront of popularising millets that 
further nutrition, food security, and welfare of farmers. 
This also offers research and innovation opportunities for 
indigenous agriculture scientists and startup communities. 
Recently, in the popular talk show “Mann ki Baat”, he 
mentioned that millets have been a part of our tradition, 
culture, and ancient civilisation, their relevance being cited 
in sacred texts such as Vedas, Puranas, and Tolkappiyam. 
From time to time, his addresses on millets have created an 
enthusiastic wave for the celebration of 
IYM 2023 in India.
What are Millets? 
Millets, popularly called “Mota 
Anaj” in Hindi, are a 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. They 
are one of the ancient foods dating back 
to the Indus Valley Civilisation, around 
3000 BC. They are grown in almost 
131 countries today. Currently, millets 
constitute the traditional food for 59 
crore people across Asia and Africa.
1
In India, millets can be clubbed into major, minor, and 
pseudo categories. 
1. Major Millets: Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet 
(Bajra), Finger Millet (Ragi/Mandua)
2. Minor Millets: Foxtail Millet (Kangani/Kakun), 
Proso Millet (Cheena), Kodo Millet, Barnyard Millet 
(Sawa/Sanwa/ Jhangora), Little Millet (Kutki)
3. Pseudo Millets: Buck-wheat (Kuttu) and Amaranth 
(Chaulai) 
The top five states producing Millets are Rajasthan, 
Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. 
What is the importance of Millets?
Climate-friendly crop: 
Apart from its health benefits, 
millets are resilient to climate change 
as they are pest free, adapted to a wide 
range of temperatures and moisture 
regimes, and demand less input of 
chemical fertilisers to grow; thus 
making them bio-diverse and climate-
smart crops. These crops have low 
carbon and water footprints. Requiring 
minimum rainfall for their growth, 
they can even sustain in drought-prone 
areas.
Millets, popularly called  
“Mota Anaj” in Hindi, are a 
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. They are one of 
the ancient foods dating back to  
the Indus Valley Civilisation, 
around 3000 BC.
Page 3


YOJANA   January 2023 25
nder the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Government of 
India proposed at the United Nations for declaring 2023 as the 
International Year of Millets. India’s proposal was supported by 72 
countries and United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 as 
the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) on 5
th
 March 2021. 
As India celebrated its glorious 76
th
 Independence Day on 15
th
 August 2022, 
in his speech from the ramparts of Red Fort, Prime Minister said that millets 
have been an integral part of India’s legacy. 
The celebration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets is a matter of 
immense pride for India and in particular for the farmer community. To take 
forward this declaration, the Government of India has decided to celebrate IYM 
2023 by making it a peoples’ movement or “Jan Andolan” to enhance awareness 
regarding millets as a healthy option for the food basket. Activities are also being 
taken up to propel demand creation of millets at both global and local levels, 
for better remuneration to the farmers for its production, to provide protection 
of sources (soil and water), and creation of direct and indirect employment. 
India produces more than 170 lakh tonnes of millets per year and is the largest 
producer of millets in the world; accounting for 20% of global production and 
80% of Asia’s production. India’s average yield of millets (1239 kg/hectare) is 
also higher than global-average yield of 1229 kg/hectare. Major millet crops 
India’s Wealth: Millet for Health
Dr Manisha Verma
The author is Additional Director-General (Media and Communication), PIB, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of 
India. Email: pibhealth@gmail.com
U
The Government of 
India has initiated 
the revival of 
millets in the past 
few years and 
declared 2018 
as the “National 
Year of Millets” to 
raise awareness 
about its health 
benefits and boost 
millet production. 
They are labelled 
as “Nutri-cereals” 
due to their high 
nutrition quotient. 
Millets were 
included under 
Prime Minister’s 
overarching 
scheme for holistic 
nutrition, POSHAN 
Abhiyan in the 
same year.
gRounDwoRk 26 YOJANA   January 2023
grown in India and their percentage share of production are 
Pearl Millet (Bajra) – 61% share, Jowar (Sorghum) – 27%, 
and Finger Millet (Mandua/Ragi) – 10%.
In his addresses on various national and international 
forums, the Prime Minister has highlighted how India is 
honoured to be at the forefront of popularising millets that 
further nutrition, food security, and welfare of farmers. 
This also offers research and innovation opportunities for 
indigenous agriculture scientists and startup communities. 
Recently, in the popular talk show “Mann ki Baat”, he 
mentioned that millets have been a part of our tradition, 
culture, and ancient civilisation, their relevance being cited 
in sacred texts such as Vedas, Puranas, and Tolkappiyam. 
From time to time, his addresses on millets have created an 
enthusiastic wave for the celebration of 
IYM 2023 in India.
What are Millets? 
Millets, popularly called “Mota 
Anaj” in Hindi, are a 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. They 
are one of the ancient foods dating back 
to the Indus Valley Civilisation, around 
3000 BC. They are grown in almost 
131 countries today. Currently, millets 
constitute the traditional food for 59 
crore people across Asia and Africa.
1
In India, millets can be clubbed into major, minor, and 
pseudo categories. 
1. Major Millets: Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet 
(Bajra), Finger Millet (Ragi/Mandua)
2. Minor Millets: Foxtail Millet (Kangani/Kakun), 
Proso Millet (Cheena), Kodo Millet, Barnyard Millet 
(Sawa/Sanwa/ Jhangora), Little Millet (Kutki)
3. Pseudo Millets: Buck-wheat (Kuttu) and Amaranth 
(Chaulai) 
The top five states producing Millets are Rajasthan, 
Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. 
What is the importance of Millets?
Climate-friendly crop: 
Apart from its health benefits, 
millets are resilient to climate change 
as they are pest free, adapted to a wide 
range of temperatures and moisture 
regimes, and demand less input of 
chemical fertilisers to grow; thus 
making them bio-diverse and climate-
smart crops. These crops have low 
carbon and water footprints. Requiring 
minimum rainfall for their growth, 
they can even sustain in drought-prone 
areas.
Millets, popularly called  
“Mota Anaj” in Hindi, are a 
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. They are one of 
the ancient foods dating back to  
the Indus Valley Civilisation, 
around 3000 BC.
YOJANA   January 2023 27
High in nutrition and health benefits: 
Millets are known to be a storehouse of nutrition 
as they are good sources of calcium, zinc, magnesium, 
phosphorous, copper, vitamin, iron, folate, carbohydrates, 
micronutrients, antioxidants and phytochemicals with 
nutraceutical properties. 
They are gluten-free and are also considered good 
for celiac patients. The promotion of millets is now being 
seen as an effective strategy for tackling malnutrition in 
the country. The nutrition and health-packed millets hold 
special significance in today’s times when people are 
gravitating to healthier options.
Economic and food security:
Once known as the ‘poor man’s food grain’, millet 
have been cheaper in price in comparison to other food 
grains. Under India’s National Food Security Mission 
the area, production of millets have increased. Over the 
years, the production of millets has increased from 14.52 
million tonnes (2015-16) to 17.96 million tonnes in 2020-
21 (Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare). Its 
exports are increasing exponentially as the demand for 
millets is increasing at a fast rate worldwide. With the 
growing demand for millets, it is creating more business 
opportunities for all stakeholders. 
Millet as a part of the Food basket
The Government of India has initiated the revival 
of millets in the past few years and declared 2018 as 
the “National Year of Millets” to raise awareness about 
its health benefits and boost millet production. They are 
labelled as “Nutri-cereals” due to their high nutrition 
quotient. Millets were included under Prime Minister’s 
Popularising millets in Telangana
K
umaram Bheem Asifabad is a predominantly tribal and one of the most backward districts in Telangana. The 
district had a significant number of children, women, and adolescent girls with multiple malnutrition indicators 
like being underweight, wasting, and anemia. The district under the Project Sampoorna focused on ensuring the 
availability of traditional and local food like millets. Towards this objective, various activities were undertaken in a 
span of 3 months that included 33 food festivals and 10 millet recipe trainings which were conducted covering 225 
Anganwadis. In addition, millet cooking videos were shared through social media among beneficiaries. Further, 10 
millet cooking training sessions within 10 days in 225 Anganwadis were conducted for targeted women. In addition 
to the above, millets were made available for local purchase. Home visits were undertaken and the monitoring of the 
same was carried out by supervisors and district officers on day-to-day basis. To promote millet cultivation, Agriculture 
Officers trained 2500 farmers covering more than 1000 acres of land, and subsidised seeds were distributed. SHG 
Women were trained in production, processing, and marketing through which 973 Shops were established covering 
all Anganwadis where millets were made available at subsidised prices. Under decentralised Millet Village Circular 
Economic Model, millets are grown, procured, processed, packaged, and sold locally to villagers at cheaper prices. 
Following the initiative, behavioural change has been observed in the community and it has been seen that 80% of 
beneficiaries have acceptance for millets and are now consuming millets and nutritional vegetables in other two meals, 
other than supplementary nutrition provided at Anganwadis.
Source: Ministry of Women and Child Development
Millets as a part of the welcome kit given to the Sherpas of  
G20 during their recent visit to India
Viable options for small farmers:
Due to the low investment needed for the production 
of millets, they millets prove to be a sustainable and viable 
income source for small and marginal farmers.
Page 4


YOJANA   January 2023 25
nder the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Government of 
India proposed at the United Nations for declaring 2023 as the 
International Year of Millets. India’s proposal was supported by 72 
countries and United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 as 
the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) on 5
th
 March 2021. 
As India celebrated its glorious 76
th
 Independence Day on 15
th
 August 2022, 
in his speech from the ramparts of Red Fort, Prime Minister said that millets 
have been an integral part of India’s legacy. 
The celebration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets is a matter of 
immense pride for India and in particular for the farmer community. To take 
forward this declaration, the Government of India has decided to celebrate IYM 
2023 by making it a peoples’ movement or “Jan Andolan” to enhance awareness 
regarding millets as a healthy option for the food basket. Activities are also being 
taken up to propel demand creation of millets at both global and local levels, 
for better remuneration to the farmers for its production, to provide protection 
of sources (soil and water), and creation of direct and indirect employment. 
India produces more than 170 lakh tonnes of millets per year and is the largest 
producer of millets in the world; accounting for 20% of global production and 
80% of Asia’s production. India’s average yield of millets (1239 kg/hectare) is 
also higher than global-average yield of 1229 kg/hectare. Major millet crops 
India’s Wealth: Millet for Health
Dr Manisha Verma
The author is Additional Director-General (Media and Communication), PIB, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of 
India. Email: pibhealth@gmail.com
U
The Government of 
India has initiated 
the revival of 
millets in the past 
few years and 
declared 2018 
as the “National 
Year of Millets” to 
raise awareness 
about its health 
benefits and boost 
millet production. 
They are labelled 
as “Nutri-cereals” 
due to their high 
nutrition quotient. 
Millets were 
included under 
Prime Minister’s 
overarching 
scheme for holistic 
nutrition, POSHAN 
Abhiyan in the 
same year.
gRounDwoRk 26 YOJANA   January 2023
grown in India and their percentage share of production are 
Pearl Millet (Bajra) – 61% share, Jowar (Sorghum) – 27%, 
and Finger Millet (Mandua/Ragi) – 10%.
In his addresses on various national and international 
forums, the Prime Minister has highlighted how India is 
honoured to be at the forefront of popularising millets that 
further nutrition, food security, and welfare of farmers. 
This also offers research and innovation opportunities for 
indigenous agriculture scientists and startup communities. 
Recently, in the popular talk show “Mann ki Baat”, he 
mentioned that millets have been a part of our tradition, 
culture, and ancient civilisation, their relevance being cited 
in sacred texts such as Vedas, Puranas, and Tolkappiyam. 
From time to time, his addresses on millets have created an 
enthusiastic wave for the celebration of 
IYM 2023 in India.
What are Millets? 
Millets, popularly called “Mota 
Anaj” in Hindi, are a 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. They 
are one of the ancient foods dating back 
to the Indus Valley Civilisation, around 
3000 BC. They are grown in almost 
131 countries today. Currently, millets 
constitute the traditional food for 59 
crore people across Asia and Africa.
1
In India, millets can be clubbed into major, minor, and 
pseudo categories. 
1. Major Millets: Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet 
(Bajra), Finger Millet (Ragi/Mandua)
2. Minor Millets: Foxtail Millet (Kangani/Kakun), 
Proso Millet (Cheena), Kodo Millet, Barnyard Millet 
(Sawa/Sanwa/ Jhangora), Little Millet (Kutki)
3. Pseudo Millets: Buck-wheat (Kuttu) and Amaranth 
(Chaulai) 
The top five states producing Millets are Rajasthan, 
Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. 
What is the importance of Millets?
Climate-friendly crop: 
Apart from its health benefits, 
millets are resilient to climate change 
as they are pest free, adapted to a wide 
range of temperatures and moisture 
regimes, and demand less input of 
chemical fertilisers to grow; thus 
making them bio-diverse and climate-
smart crops. These crops have low 
carbon and water footprints. Requiring 
minimum rainfall for their growth, 
they can even sustain in drought-prone 
areas.
Millets, popularly called  
“Mota Anaj” in Hindi, are a 
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. They are one of 
the ancient foods dating back to  
the Indus Valley Civilisation, 
around 3000 BC.
YOJANA   January 2023 27
High in nutrition and health benefits: 
Millets are known to be a storehouse of nutrition 
as they are good sources of calcium, zinc, magnesium, 
phosphorous, copper, vitamin, iron, folate, carbohydrates, 
micronutrients, antioxidants and phytochemicals with 
nutraceutical properties. 
They are gluten-free and are also considered good 
for celiac patients. The promotion of millets is now being 
seen as an effective strategy for tackling malnutrition in 
the country. The nutrition and health-packed millets hold 
special significance in today’s times when people are 
gravitating to healthier options.
Economic and food security:
Once known as the ‘poor man’s food grain’, millet 
have been cheaper in price in comparison to other food 
grains. Under India’s National Food Security Mission 
the area, production of millets have increased. Over the 
years, the production of millets has increased from 14.52 
million tonnes (2015-16) to 17.96 million tonnes in 2020-
21 (Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare). Its 
exports are increasing exponentially as the demand for 
millets is increasing at a fast rate worldwide. With the 
growing demand for millets, it is creating more business 
opportunities for all stakeholders. 
Millet as a part of the Food basket
The Government of India has initiated the revival 
of millets in the past few years and declared 2018 as 
the “National Year of Millets” to raise awareness about 
its health benefits and boost millet production. They are 
labelled as “Nutri-cereals” due to their high nutrition 
quotient. Millets were included under Prime Minister’s 
Popularising millets in Telangana
K
umaram Bheem Asifabad is a predominantly tribal and one of the most backward districts in Telangana. The 
district had a significant number of children, women, and adolescent girls with multiple malnutrition indicators 
like being underweight, wasting, and anemia. The district under the Project Sampoorna focused on ensuring the 
availability of traditional and local food like millets. Towards this objective, various activities were undertaken in a 
span of 3 months that included 33 food festivals and 10 millet recipe trainings which were conducted covering 225 
Anganwadis. In addition, millet cooking videos were shared through social media among beneficiaries. Further, 10 
millet cooking training sessions within 10 days in 225 Anganwadis were conducted for targeted women. In addition 
to the above, millets were made available for local purchase. Home visits were undertaken and the monitoring of the 
same was carried out by supervisors and district officers on day-to-day basis. To promote millet cultivation, Agriculture 
Officers trained 2500 farmers covering more than 1000 acres of land, and subsidised seeds were distributed. SHG 
Women were trained in production, processing, and marketing through which 973 Shops were established covering 
all Anganwadis where millets were made available at subsidised prices. Under decentralised Millet Village Circular 
Economic Model, millets are grown, procured, processed, packaged, and sold locally to villagers at cheaper prices. 
Following the initiative, behavioural change has been observed in the community and it has been seen that 80% of 
beneficiaries have acceptance for millets and are now consuming millets and nutritional vegetables in other two meals, 
other than supplementary nutrition provided at Anganwadis.
Source: Ministry of Women and Child Development
Millets as a part of the welcome kit given to the Sherpas of  
G20 during their recent visit to India
Viable options for small farmers:
Due to the low investment needed for the production 
of millets, they millets prove to be a sustainable and viable 
income source for small and marginal farmers.
28 YOJANA   January 2023
overarching scheme for holistic 
nutrition, POSHAN Abhiyan in the 
same year.
The Government of India also 
launched Mission POSHAN 2.0 
in 2021 to tackle malnutrition and 
leverage traditional knowledge systems 
and popularise the incorporation of 
millets in local recipes in order to 
enhance the quality of supplementary 
nutrition.
Under the POSHAN Abhiyan 
every year, September is celebrated as 
Rashtriya Poshan Maah or National 
Nutrition Month across the country. 
The Ministry of Women and Child 
Development has further encouraged 
all states and union territories to incorporate millets in 
the recipes to enhance the nutritional quality of the meal 
provided under the Supplementary Nutrition Programme 
of Anganwadi Services. Millets are being mandatorily 
supplied at least once a week.
Balanced diets based on locally available low-cost 
nutritious foods and benefits of consuming millets are being 
shared with mothers’ groups through the Anganwadis. 
Millets are being incorporated in supplementary nutrition 
in several States and Union Territories such Odisha, 
Telangana, Chandigarh, etc.   
Initiatives towords making IYM 2023 a success
The Government has embarked on a nationwide Jan 
Andolan to enhance awareness and highlight the nutritional 
benefits of millets, positioning it as a modern-day healthy 
food that is easy to cook and quick to prepare. Various 
creative campaigns on several forums such as radio, print, 
social media, offline events, and activities are being taken 
up to break the stigma of millet being the “food of the poor”, 
showcasing it as a superfood, combating misinformation, 
reviving lost recipes, thus making it as an essential part of 
the mainstream food basket. Millets have been showcased 
in various reputed events like India International Trade 
Fair, Dubai Expo and Surajkund Mela, etc.
Over 500 startups are working in millet value chain 
while the Indian Institute on Millet Research has incubated 
250 startups under RKVY-RAFTAAR. More than Rs. 6.2 
crores has been disbursed to over 66 startups while about 
25 startups have been approved for further funding.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) 
is actively spreading awareness of the health benefits of 
the miracle crop by celebrating “Recipe Ravivar” every 
Sunday on social media platforms where each month 
is dedicated to a specific variety of millet. Over 100 
Walkathons and Eat Right Melas have been organised in 
various cities across the country.
Besides this, under directions of 
the Union Minister of Health & Family 
Welfare, with a view to introducing 
healthier food options to people, 
Union Health Ministry has done away 
with fried food such as samosa, bread 
pakoras, and the like from its canteen 
menu in favour of healthier options 
such millet roti, cheelas, etc. 
The Government of India has 
launched a set of seven sutras in the 
run-up to IYM 2023 and has allocated 
different government departments 
for the same. The seven sutras 
outline areas in the enhancement of 
production/productivity, nutrition 
and health benefits, value addition, processing, and 
recipe development, entrepreneurship/startup/collective 
development, awareness creation-branding, labelling and 
promotion, international outreach, and policy interventions 
for mainstreaming.
Of the seven sutras, nutrition and health benefits 
will focus on generating awareness regarding health and 
nutrition benefits by developing mass campaigns such as 
Eat Right Campaigns, enhancing steps to avail technology 
support for Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR), 
SAUs and others like Indian Council of Medical Research  
(ICMR), National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), AYUSH, 
Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Central Food 
T echnological Research Institute (CFTRI) and International 
Crops Research Institute for Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT) 
to research and collate evidence,  promoting biofortification 
of millets, giving more focus on the digital publication of 
papers on millets,  encouraging commissioning of studies 
by National/International reputed organisations, spreading 
awareness among mothers through Anganwadis. The 
Government also plans to establish Centres of Excellence 
on millets across the length and breadth of the country and 
link industries with these centres.
Conclusion
Due to various activities and efforts of different 
Departments and Ministries of Government of India and the 
states and UTs, momentum has kickstarted for popularising 
millets and turning it into a revolutionary movement. In 
line with Prime Minister’s vision for a healthier India, 
at a time when the country is entering “Azadi ka Amrit 
Kaal”, there is a strong focus on Jan Bhagidari or people’s 
movement to bring the spotlight on this superfood and for 
bringing this ancient food to the centrestage. ?
Endnote
1. FAO; http://www.fao.org/3/w1808e/w1808e0c.htm
Various creative campaigns 
on several forums such as 
radio, print, social media, 
offline events, and activities 
are being taken up to break 
the stigma of millet being 
the “food of the poor”, 
showcasing it as a superfood, 
combating misinformation, 
reviving lost recipes, thus 
making it as an essential 
part of the mainstream food 
basket.
Page 5


YOJANA   January 2023 25
nder the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Government of 
India proposed at the United Nations for declaring 2023 as the 
International Year of Millets. India’s proposal was supported by 72 
countries and United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 as 
the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) on 5
th
 March 2021. 
As India celebrated its glorious 76
th
 Independence Day on 15
th
 August 2022, 
in his speech from the ramparts of Red Fort, Prime Minister said that millets 
have been an integral part of India’s legacy. 
The celebration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets is a matter of 
immense pride for India and in particular for the farmer community. To take 
forward this declaration, the Government of India has decided to celebrate IYM 
2023 by making it a peoples’ movement or “Jan Andolan” to enhance awareness 
regarding millets as a healthy option for the food basket. Activities are also being 
taken up to propel demand creation of millets at both global and local levels, 
for better remuneration to the farmers for its production, to provide protection 
of sources (soil and water), and creation of direct and indirect employment. 
India produces more than 170 lakh tonnes of millets per year and is the largest 
producer of millets in the world; accounting for 20% of global production and 
80% of Asia’s production. India’s average yield of millets (1239 kg/hectare) is 
also higher than global-average yield of 1229 kg/hectare. Major millet crops 
India’s Wealth: Millet for Health
Dr Manisha Verma
The author is Additional Director-General (Media and Communication), PIB, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of 
India. Email: pibhealth@gmail.com
U
The Government of 
India has initiated 
the revival of 
millets in the past 
few years and 
declared 2018 
as the “National 
Year of Millets” to 
raise awareness 
about its health 
benefits and boost 
millet production. 
They are labelled 
as “Nutri-cereals” 
due to their high 
nutrition quotient. 
Millets were 
included under 
Prime Minister’s 
overarching 
scheme for holistic 
nutrition, POSHAN 
Abhiyan in the 
same year.
gRounDwoRk 26 YOJANA   January 2023
grown in India and their percentage share of production are 
Pearl Millet (Bajra) – 61% share, Jowar (Sorghum) – 27%, 
and Finger Millet (Mandua/Ragi) – 10%.
In his addresses on various national and international 
forums, the Prime Minister has highlighted how India is 
honoured to be at the forefront of popularising millets that 
further nutrition, food security, and welfare of farmers. 
This also offers research and innovation opportunities for 
indigenous agriculture scientists and startup communities. 
Recently, in the popular talk show “Mann ki Baat”, he 
mentioned that millets have been a part of our tradition, 
culture, and ancient civilisation, their relevance being cited 
in sacred texts such as Vedas, Puranas, and Tolkappiyam. 
From time to time, his addresses on millets have created an 
enthusiastic wave for the celebration of 
IYM 2023 in India.
What are Millets? 
Millets, popularly called “Mota 
Anaj” in Hindi, are a 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. They 
are one of the ancient foods dating back 
to the Indus Valley Civilisation, around 
3000 BC. They are grown in almost 
131 countries today. Currently, millets 
constitute the traditional food for 59 
crore people across Asia and Africa.
1
In India, millets can be clubbed into major, minor, and 
pseudo categories. 
1. Major Millets: Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet 
(Bajra), Finger Millet (Ragi/Mandua)
2. Minor Millets: Foxtail Millet (Kangani/Kakun), 
Proso Millet (Cheena), Kodo Millet, Barnyard Millet 
(Sawa/Sanwa/ Jhangora), Little Millet (Kutki)
3. Pseudo Millets: Buck-wheat (Kuttu) and Amaranth 
(Chaulai) 
The top five states producing Millets are Rajasthan, 
Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. 
What is the importance of Millets?
Climate-friendly crop: 
Apart from its health benefits, 
millets are resilient to climate change 
as they are pest free, adapted to a wide 
range of temperatures and moisture 
regimes, and demand less input of 
chemical fertilisers to grow; thus 
making them bio-diverse and climate-
smart crops. These crops have low 
carbon and water footprints. Requiring 
minimum rainfall for their growth, 
they can even sustain in drought-prone 
areas.
Millets, popularly called  
“Mota Anaj” in Hindi, are a 
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. They are one of 
the ancient foods dating back to  
the Indus Valley Civilisation, 
around 3000 BC.
YOJANA   January 2023 27
High in nutrition and health benefits: 
Millets are known to be a storehouse of nutrition 
as they are good sources of calcium, zinc, magnesium, 
phosphorous, copper, vitamin, iron, folate, carbohydrates, 
micronutrients, antioxidants and phytochemicals with 
nutraceutical properties. 
They are gluten-free and are also considered good 
for celiac patients. The promotion of millets is now being 
seen as an effective strategy for tackling malnutrition in 
the country. The nutrition and health-packed millets hold 
special significance in today’s times when people are 
gravitating to healthier options.
Economic and food security:
Once known as the ‘poor man’s food grain’, millet 
have been cheaper in price in comparison to other food 
grains. Under India’s National Food Security Mission 
the area, production of millets have increased. Over the 
years, the production of millets has increased from 14.52 
million tonnes (2015-16) to 17.96 million tonnes in 2020-
21 (Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare). Its 
exports are increasing exponentially as the demand for 
millets is increasing at a fast rate worldwide. With the 
growing demand for millets, it is creating more business 
opportunities for all stakeholders. 
Millet as a part of the Food basket
The Government of India has initiated the revival 
of millets in the past few years and declared 2018 as 
the “National Year of Millets” to raise awareness about 
its health benefits and boost millet production. They are 
labelled as “Nutri-cereals” due to their high nutrition 
quotient. Millets were included under Prime Minister’s 
Popularising millets in Telangana
K
umaram Bheem Asifabad is a predominantly tribal and one of the most backward districts in Telangana. The 
district had a significant number of children, women, and adolescent girls with multiple malnutrition indicators 
like being underweight, wasting, and anemia. The district under the Project Sampoorna focused on ensuring the 
availability of traditional and local food like millets. Towards this objective, various activities were undertaken in a 
span of 3 months that included 33 food festivals and 10 millet recipe trainings which were conducted covering 225 
Anganwadis. In addition, millet cooking videos were shared through social media among beneficiaries. Further, 10 
millet cooking training sessions within 10 days in 225 Anganwadis were conducted for targeted women. In addition 
to the above, millets were made available for local purchase. Home visits were undertaken and the monitoring of the 
same was carried out by supervisors and district officers on day-to-day basis. To promote millet cultivation, Agriculture 
Officers trained 2500 farmers covering more than 1000 acres of land, and subsidised seeds were distributed. SHG 
Women were trained in production, processing, and marketing through which 973 Shops were established covering 
all Anganwadis where millets were made available at subsidised prices. Under decentralised Millet Village Circular 
Economic Model, millets are grown, procured, processed, packaged, and sold locally to villagers at cheaper prices. 
Following the initiative, behavioural change has been observed in the community and it has been seen that 80% of 
beneficiaries have acceptance for millets and are now consuming millets and nutritional vegetables in other two meals, 
other than supplementary nutrition provided at Anganwadis.
Source: Ministry of Women and Child Development
Millets as a part of the welcome kit given to the Sherpas of  
G20 during their recent visit to India
Viable options for small farmers:
Due to the low investment needed for the production 
of millets, they millets prove to be a sustainable and viable 
income source for small and marginal farmers.
28 YOJANA   January 2023
overarching scheme for holistic 
nutrition, POSHAN Abhiyan in the 
same year.
The Government of India also 
launched Mission POSHAN 2.0 
in 2021 to tackle malnutrition and 
leverage traditional knowledge systems 
and popularise the incorporation of 
millets in local recipes in order to 
enhance the quality of supplementary 
nutrition.
Under the POSHAN Abhiyan 
every year, September is celebrated as 
Rashtriya Poshan Maah or National 
Nutrition Month across the country. 
The Ministry of Women and Child 
Development has further encouraged 
all states and union territories to incorporate millets in 
the recipes to enhance the nutritional quality of the meal 
provided under the Supplementary Nutrition Programme 
of Anganwadi Services. Millets are being mandatorily 
supplied at least once a week.
Balanced diets based on locally available low-cost 
nutritious foods and benefits of consuming millets are being 
shared with mothers’ groups through the Anganwadis. 
Millets are being incorporated in supplementary nutrition 
in several States and Union Territories such Odisha, 
Telangana, Chandigarh, etc.   
Initiatives towords making IYM 2023 a success
The Government has embarked on a nationwide Jan 
Andolan to enhance awareness and highlight the nutritional 
benefits of millets, positioning it as a modern-day healthy 
food that is easy to cook and quick to prepare. Various 
creative campaigns on several forums such as radio, print, 
social media, offline events, and activities are being taken 
up to break the stigma of millet being the “food of the poor”, 
showcasing it as a superfood, combating misinformation, 
reviving lost recipes, thus making it as an essential part of 
the mainstream food basket. Millets have been showcased 
in various reputed events like India International Trade 
Fair, Dubai Expo and Surajkund Mela, etc.
Over 500 startups are working in millet value chain 
while the Indian Institute on Millet Research has incubated 
250 startups under RKVY-RAFTAAR. More than Rs. 6.2 
crores has been disbursed to over 66 startups while about 
25 startups have been approved for further funding.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) 
is actively spreading awareness of the health benefits of 
the miracle crop by celebrating “Recipe Ravivar” every 
Sunday on social media platforms where each month 
is dedicated to a specific variety of millet. Over 100 
Walkathons and Eat Right Melas have been organised in 
various cities across the country.
Besides this, under directions of 
the Union Minister of Health & Family 
Welfare, with a view to introducing 
healthier food options to people, 
Union Health Ministry has done away 
with fried food such as samosa, bread 
pakoras, and the like from its canteen 
menu in favour of healthier options 
such millet roti, cheelas, etc. 
The Government of India has 
launched a set of seven sutras in the 
run-up to IYM 2023 and has allocated 
different government departments 
for the same. The seven sutras 
outline areas in the enhancement of 
production/productivity, nutrition 
and health benefits, value addition, processing, and 
recipe development, entrepreneurship/startup/collective 
development, awareness creation-branding, labelling and 
promotion, international outreach, and policy interventions 
for mainstreaming.
Of the seven sutras, nutrition and health benefits 
will focus on generating awareness regarding health and 
nutrition benefits by developing mass campaigns such as 
Eat Right Campaigns, enhancing steps to avail technology 
support for Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR), 
SAUs and others like Indian Council of Medical Research  
(ICMR), National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), AYUSH, 
Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Central Food 
T echnological Research Institute (CFTRI) and International 
Crops Research Institute for Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT) 
to research and collate evidence,  promoting biofortification 
of millets, giving more focus on the digital publication of 
papers on millets,  encouraging commissioning of studies 
by National/International reputed organisations, spreading 
awareness among mothers through Anganwadis. The 
Government also plans to establish Centres of Excellence 
on millets across the length and breadth of the country and 
link industries with these centres.
Conclusion
Due to various activities and efforts of different 
Departments and Ministries of Government of India and the 
states and UTs, momentum has kickstarted for popularising 
millets and turning it into a revolutionary movement. In 
line with Prime Minister’s vision for a healthier India, 
at a time when the country is entering “Azadi ka Amrit 
Kaal”, there is a strong focus on Jan Bhagidari or people’s 
movement to bring the spotlight on this superfood and for 
bringing this ancient food to the centrestage. ?
Endnote
1. FAO; http://www.fao.org/3/w1808e/w1808e0c.htm
Various creative campaigns 
on several forums such as 
radio, print, social media, 
offline events, and activities 
are being taken up to break 
the stigma of millet being 
the “food of the poor”, 
showcasing it as a superfood, 
combating misinformation, 
reviving lost recipes, thus 
making it as an essential 
part of the mainstream food 
basket.
30 YOJANA   January 2023
an oveRview 
illets are considered wonder foods. With 
their high levels of fibre content, vitamins, 
minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants, 
they can help fight many modern-day, 
lifestyle diseases. Important amino acids enhance millets’ 
nutritional value. However, the nutritive and medicinal 
potentials of bioactive chemicals found in millets are 
largely unexplored, and a thorough evaluation of existing 
evidence in the literature is lacking. Millets include many 
bioactive principles that have been shown to reduce 
cardiovascular risk, diabetes, aging, and even cancer. 
This article illustrates recent improvements in nutritional 
characteristics, processing methods, and their impact on 
lowering anti-nutritional factors and increasing nutrient 
bioavailability, as well as the possible health advantages 
of millets. This review also discusses the consumption of 
various traditional and modern millet-based foods, as well 
as the bioavailability of minerals after ingesting millet-
based foods.
Millets are native grains of many countries including 
India and can be an alternate staple food, able to overcome 
issues such as water scarcity, desertification, global 
warming, and managing carbon footprints. Furthermore, 
because of their low carbohydrate-fibre ratio they can also 
be useful in many lifestyle diseases like cardiac, diabetes 
mellitus, and some kinds of cancer  (Table 1). Consumption 
of dietary fibre lowers the absorption of glucose maintaining 
blood glucose levels and is thus useful in Non-Insulin 
Dependent Diabetes (NIDDM). Moreover, fibre also binds 
cholesterol, thus protecting from heart disease. Millet fibre 
owing to its incomplete/slow fermentation by microflora in 
the large intestine allows normal gut functioning. Dietary 
fibre contributes to fecal bulk and along with it increased 
fecal mobility and fermentation of contents all contribute 
to the prevention of colon cancer. 
Millets are also ‘nutritional supplements’ that have 
phytochemicals such as flavonoids, saponins, tannins such 
phenols, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids 
and anti-nutrients that are essential for preserving good 
health and having a significant impact on the treatment of 
chronic illnesses. They include vital amino acids, carbs, 
lipids, fibres, folic acid, vitamins like thiamine, niacin, 
and riboflavin, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and 
potassium. The dietary items made from millet products 
feed the body and guard against several illnesses including 
diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, inflammation, 
M
Health Benefits for Lifestyle Diseases
Dr Sundeep Mishra
Dr Priyanka Chandolia
Millets are native grains of many countries including India and can be an alternate staple food. 
Furthermore, because of their low carbohydrate-fibre ratio, they can also be useful in many 
lifestyle diseases. Millets are also ‘nutritional supplements’ that have phytochemicals and anti-
nutrients that are essential for preserving good health and having a significant impact on the 
treatment of chronic illnesses. 
Dr Sundeep Mishra is VC, NIMS University, Rajasthan, Jaipur and former Professor, AIIMS.
Dr Priyanka Chandolia is associated with Institute of Pharmacy, NIMS University, Rajasthan, Jaipur. 
Email: drsundeepmishranic@gmail.com
Table 1: Carbohydrate-to-fibre ratio of common 
millets compared with rice
Cereal Common 
Name
Dietary Fiber 
Content (g/100g)
Finger Millet Ragi 11.2
Foxtail Millet Kangani 11.2
Pearl Millet Bajra 11
Sorgham Jowar 9.7
Proso Millet Cheena 9.1
Little Millet Sama 7
Rice Chawal 3.2