Millet research and development (R&D) focuses on enhancing the cultivation, nutritional value, and sustainability of millet crops. Millets, which include various grains like pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet, and others, have gained increasing attention due to their nutritional benefits, resilience to harsh environments, and low environmental impact. R&D efforts aim to unlock the full potential of millets and promote their widespread adoption in agricultural practices.
One area of millet R&D involves breeding and genetics. Scientists work to develop improved millet varieties that exhibit desirable traits such as high yield, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and nutritional enhancement. Through conventional breeding techniques and, increasingly, biotechnology approaches, researchers seek to create millet cultivars that are adapted to different agro-climatic conditions and possess enhanced nutritional profiles.
Another aspect of millet R&D is focused on agronomic practices and farming systems. Scientists explore efficient cultivation techniques, optimal planting and harvesting methods, and appropriate nutrient management strategies to maximize millet yields and minimize environmental impact. This includes evaluating crop rotation systems, intercropping with legumes, and exploring organic farming approaches for sustainable millet production.
Furthermore, millet R&D involves improving post-harvest handling, storage, and processing techniques. Developing technologies and infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses, enhance food safety, and promote value addition in millet products are essential to enhance their marketability and ensure food security.
Research efforts also extend to understanding the nutritional composition and health benefits of millets. Studying the bioavailability of nutrients, identifying bioactive compounds, and assessing the impact of millet consumption on human health are crucial aspects of millet R&D. This research provides scientific evidence to support the promotion of millets as a valuable component of a healthy diet and contributes to combating malnutrition and addressing specific nutritional deficiencies.
Collaboration between researchers, agricultural institutions, farmers, and policymakers is vital for effective millet R&D. By sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise, stakeholders can collectively work towards developing improved millet varieties, sustainable farming practices, and innovative millet-based products. Government support and investment in millet R&D are crucial to accelerate progress in this field and promote the adoption of millets as a key component of food systems.
There are a lot challenges in the way if we want to switch to millet
India has a long history of being a major consumer and producer of millet. Millets are tough crops with a small carbon and water footprint, making them resistant to climate change. They thrive in the varying climates and soil conditions found in India’s several ecoregions because they require few, if any, abiotic factors for growth.
Foxtail millet, finger millet, barnyard millet, browntop millet, little millet, kodo millet, pearl millet, proso millet, and sorghum are among the most significant species grown in India.
India can increase production and exports to take advantage of the expanding international market. India is responsible for more than 20% of global millets production and 80% of Asia’s. At a CAGR of 4.5% between 2021 and 2028, the worldwide millets market is expected to expand from its 2020 valuation of $9.95 Billion to a total of $14.14 Billion.
However, millet’s commercial viability is hindered by an unstable supply and demand. Millet-based goods haven’t seen widespread adoption because the public isn’t aware of the health benefits of millets. Suboptimal reach, reduced price realisation, and waste have resulted from insufficient distribution and inadequate market understanding.
In particular, SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action) could all benefit from increased use of millets.
Following a proposal from the Government of India, the United Nations has designated 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYOM) in recognition of the importance of highlighting the nutritional and ecological benefits of millets.
To mark the International Year of Millets and kick off the Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog has issued four calls for solutions to problems of national and societal significance. By resolving these issues, we may close the gaps in the millet supply chain and boost its potential for sustainable production, improved nutrition, broader acceptability, and higher consumption.
Challenge 1
Processing Efficiency
The inedible grain is processed into an edible form, improving its quality in the process. The preparation of millets for consumption is crucial. Processing is necessary because it improves food’s shelf life, appearance, flavour, and convenience of preparation.
However, to keep their nutritional content, some millets need to go through many processing steps, including optimising grain recovery and optimising polishing.
Find ways to increase the nutritional value of millet while decreasing the time it takes to process (dehull, separate, polish, etc.).
Challenge 2
Decentralized Processing
The size of different millet kinds varies widely, and the processed millets have a short shelf life. Grain characteristics such as size, shape, hardness, husk-grain adhesion, and more all range widely. Even within the same tiny millet crop, there might be differences due to differences in variety, farming methods, and microclimate between different places.
Make low-cost, user-friendly, decentralised processing equipment and/or infrastructure for farmers, FPOs, and consumers.
Challenge 3
Shelf Life Augmentation
The nutritional value and health benefits of millets are well established. However, once processed, millets have a short shelf life since their natural enzyme activity (lipase activity, lipid oxidation, etc.) quickly turns them rancid and bitter. Millet foods are also vulnerable to the effects of moisture and water. Therefore, various pre-treatments and / or storage conditions are crucial for quality assurance.
Improve the storage stability of millets (grains, processed grains, flours, etc.) so that they can compete with alternative crops.
Challenge 4
Marketing and Market Linkages
Millet’s commercial viability is threatened by fluctuations in the supply chain. Low crop yield can be attributed to a lack of HYV seeds, while restricted adoption of millets as a ready-to-cook cereal can be attributed to a lack of public understanding about the nutritional benefits of millets. Low price realisation and waste have also stemmed from inadequate distribution and a lack of market awareness.
Create avenues for improved market linkage that will increase the availability of both inputs (HYV seeds, etc.) and outputs (distribution, market access, etc.).
In conclusion, millet research and development endeavors aim to unlock the full potential of millet crops by enhancing their agronomic practices, nutritional value, and marketability. These efforts contribute to sustainable agriculture, food security, and improved nutrition, making millets an important component of our global food system.