2022-23 To Be “International Year of Millets: Know What Makes Millets the “Superfood of Future”

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced her fourth Budget while stating 2022-23 the "International Year of Millets". "Post-harvest value addition, increasing local consumption, and branding millet commodities domestically and globally will all be encouraged," Sitharaman added. The nation has already declared 2018 as the National Year of Millets to increase production of the nutrient-rich crop. 

Millet: The Superfood of Future 

"Millet is the future's superfood." It is our heritage, culture, and tradition as Indians. Millets are very essential to us since we have such a large variety of millets that are both easy to cultivate and accessible at a low cost. We should embrace it more and include it in our diets. 

"Many people are turning out to be gluten intolerant due to the gluten content in wheat and genetically modified crops".  the surge in cases of gluten intolerance is associated with wheat consumption. As a result, people are attempting to avoid eating wheat instead of turning to millets. Millets are incredibly useful to health and spiritual well-being.  

Yes, many spiritual people avoid wheat because of its negative effects on the body and mind, preferring millet alternatively, which is thought to promote mind-body synchrony." 

States Leading Millet Production 

India is one of the world's largest millet producers, with Rajasthan accounting for more than 40% of the total Millet production of the country. Karnataka is also a leader in millet production, with over 3 lakh tonne production each year. 

Health benefits of Millets 

Antioxidants: They are high in antioxidants and hence may help to improve immunity, skin, and hair health. 

Low glycemic Index: Millets have a low glycemic index, making them a good choice for diabetes patients. As a result, they are incredibly useful to all children and adults with diabetes or insulin resistance. They're also beneficial for persons suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and obesity. 

High Fiber content: They are high in fiber, particularly soluble fiber, which aids with bowel movement. They are gentle on the stomach not just for adults but also for children since they are high in soluble dietary fiber. Millets are also a wonderful source of prebiotics (food for healthy bacteria) for the body, which will benefit intestinal health.