Emphasis on increasing the supply of millets in PDS

29-Jan-2025 03:50 PM

The emphasis on increasing the supply of millets in the Public Distribution System (PDS) is an important initiative for improving both food and nutritional security in India. The discussion involving experts from ICRISAT and TCI points to key strategies that could help achieve this goal.

By making millets an essential and permanent component of the PDS, the country can shift away from the over-reliance on rice and wheat, both of which are heavily subsidized and widely distributed.

Millets, rich in nutrients like iron, fiber, and calcium, can provide better nutritional benefits, especially for communities that suffer from malnutrition.

Despite their potential, the consumption of millets is still low. This indicates that while they may be included in the PDS in some states, there's a significant gap in creating awareness and encouraging demand.

Effective distribution campaigns, alongside policy support and scientific innovation, are necessary to boost consumption.

Additionally, there’s a need for enhancing millet production through the development of improved seed varieties. Farmers could be incentivized with better income opportunities, which would not only improve their livelihoods but also make millet cultivation more attractive.

This would address challenges related to food security while simultaneously promoting agricultural sustainability.

Lastly, the global market for organic millets is growing, and India has an opportunity to tap into this export market. Increased production, alongside better domestic consumption, could offer substantial economic benefits.

The government’s role in motivating and supporting millet cultivation is therefore crucial for the broader success of this initiative.

What do you think would be the most effective way to promote millet consumption among the public? Would it be through better availability in PDS or perhaps awareness campaigns that showcase the health benefits of millets?