Small Grains, Big Gains: Mainstreaming the Millet

Millets, also known as small-grained cereals, are gaining attention across the world due to their exceptional nutritional value and sustainability. Although these crops have been cultivated for ages, recent innovations in production, storage, and transportation are revolutionizing their use in modern food systems.

The global market for millets was valued at $9.95 billion in 2020, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of ~ 5% till 2028, to approximately $15 billion by 2028. This growth reflects increasing demand for millets as a nutritious and sustainable food source, and is expected to encourage further investments in millet production and research.

The United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets to increase awareness about the nutritional and environmental benefits of millets and to promote their sustainable production and consumption. This initiative is expected to increase the global demand for millets and encourage governments and organizations to invest in research and development to increase their production and utilization. The recognition of millets as an essential food crop by the international community is a significant step toward promoting millets as a food for future and addressing the challenges of food security and sustainability.

Innovations

There have been several innovations in the processing, storage, and transportation of millets to support the growth of the millet industry.

Processing: Traditionally, processing of millets involves dehulling and polishing, which can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. However, new innovations in millet processing, such as the use of mechanical dehulling machines and micronizers, have made the process faster and more efficient. These machines can remove the outer husk of the grain, which can be used to make animal feed or compost.

Storage: Millets are prone to insect infestations and spoilage due to their high moisture content. Use of hermetic storage bags and metal silos are some innovations that try to address the issues in storage. Hermetic storage bags are air-tight and prevent moisture and oxygen from entering, while metal silos are designed to keep out pests and rodents.

Transportation: Millet transportation is often hampered by poor infrastructure, which can damage the grains during transit. However, new innovations such as the use of specialized millet transport containers and vacuum sealing have made it possible to transport millets more efficiently and safely. Vacuum sealing helps to prevent moisture and oxygen from entering the package, which can reduce spoilage during transportation.

Several organizations and institutions are driving innovation in millet production and processing:

·??????Globally, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), a non-profit agricultural research organization that focuses on improving the productivity and resilience of crops grown in the semi-arid tropics, has been involved in the development of millet processing and storage technologies. These initiatives include the use of mechanical dehullers and hermetic storage bags. It has played a key role in promoting the cultivation and consumption of millets on a global level. In addition, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the African Millet Improvement Program (AMIP) are working to improve millets production, quality, storage, and consumption.

·??????In India, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), have been involved in several studies on the nutritional value of millets, the development of new millet varieties, and the promotion of improved millet processing and storage technologies.

In the private sector, companies such as The Millet Network of India (MINI) and Millet Munch are among the ones working to promote the use of millets in the food industry. These companies are developing innovative millet-based products such as breakfast cereals, snacks, and baked goods that appeal to modern consumers.

Government Initiatives: India and the world

Millets are a major agricultural commodity in India, with the country accounting for more than 80% of Asia's and 20% of world’s millet production, producing greater than 170 lakh tons annually.

In the G20 meeting of Agriculture Deputies held at Indore from February 13-15, 2023, India proposed a global initiative MIIRA - Millet International Initiative for Research and Awareness with the following objectives:

·??????Coordinate the Millet Research Program globally

·??????Develop new ‘high yielding’ millet varieties which are highly resistant to pests and diseases

·??????Increase millet production using scientific methods

·??????Raise public awareness of millets to boost consumption

Four challenges were launched by the Atal Innovation Mission of NITI Aayog to commemorate the International Year of Millets and encourage sustainable production, improved nutrition, increased acceptance, and enhanced consumption:

·??????Processing Efficiency: Focuses on developing solutions to increase millet processing efficiency while preserving nutritional value

·??????Decentralized Processing: Aims to develop affordable, easy-to-use machinery or infrastructure for small-scale decentralized processing for farmers, FPOs, and consumers

·??????Shelf-Life Augmentation: Aims to improve the shelf life of millets to match that of competing crops

·??????Marketing and Market Linkages: Develop market linkage solutions to address the inconsistent supply and demand in the millet supply chain by strengthening the supply of inputs and outputs

Governments around the world are recognizing the potential of millets as a sustainable and nutritious food source and are taking steps to promote its cultivation.

The Government of China has launched a program to promote the cultivation of millets in arid regions, where they are better suited than other crops. The Government is also providing subsidies for millet farmers to encourage cultivation.

In the US, the Government is funding research into millet production, processing, and utilization through the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture. It is also promoting the use of millets in school meal programs to improve nutrition and reduce food waste.

These ancient grains may have been around for more than 5,000 years, but they are making a comeback in the modern day. With recent innovations and government support, millets are becoming a popular alternative to wheat and rice. The growing popularity of millets is a positive trend, which can help promote sustainable agriculture, improve nutrition and food security, and contribute to a more diverse and resilient food system.