What you need to know about millets and their benefits

When it comes to nutrition theres a group of unsung heroes that have quietly sustained civilizations for millennia millets These unassuming smallseeded grasses have been cultivated for both sustenance and fodder for thousands of years silently thriving in environments where other crops falter Members of the Poaceae family millets have been the resilient backbone of societies across the globe especially in regions grappling with limited water resourcesFrom the heart of ancient civilisations to the modern dinner table millets have traversed time and cultures The Yajur Veda texts also identify this superfood with Foxtail Millet being called Priyangava Barnyard Millet being referred to as Aanava and the Black Finger Millet brought up as Shyamala thus indicating the consumption of the grain even during the Vedic period These grains are more than just food theyre ingrained in the very fabric of cultures shaping culinary traditions that are as diverse as they are deliciousHowever as the world moved toward modernisation the significance of millets seemed to dwindle With the allure of new and exotic crops these ancient grains fell into the shadows waiting for their second comingIn recent years millets have undergone a remarkable revival thanks to their exceptional nutritional value and ecofriendly characteristics As consumers increasingly prioritise healthier choices these grains have emerged as nutritional superstars The world is now rediscovering what ancient civilisations knew all along millets are not just grains theyre a sustainable source of nourishment and a bridge between our culinary past and a healthier future Raju Bhupathi founder Troo Good an Indian millet snacking company explains the significance of millets in ancient culture and their applications in the modern worldNutritional powerhouses of the past The annals of time have seen the millets facilitate the transition of human beings from being predominantly huntergatherers to farming society Playing a pivotal role in ancient cultures like the Indus Valley civilisation and China millets contributed to the overall nutrition and sustenance of these societies Enriched with protein fibre and an array of essential vitamins and minerals millets emerged as stalwart guardians against malnutrition and the sentinels of food security From being used in humble flatbreads nourishing porridges and fermented drinks this ancient grains versatility has furthered a tapestry of cultural traditions and rituals Apart from being nutritional powerhouses of the past millets held economic significance in ancient trade and barter systemsMillets in the modern world As modern agriculture heralded the era of highyield crops like rice and wheat the oncepotent presence of the millet faded into obscurity changing the once cherished traditional farming practices and indigenous wisdom from our collective memory However in recent times the millets have revealed themselves not just as a nutritional juggernaut but also as a champion of sustainability These hardy crops characterised by their minimal water requirements and inherent resistance to pests and diseases have assumed a critical role in the spotlight offering a promising solution for sustainable agriculture and climate change adaptation The revival of millets knows no borders International organizations like the UN have acknowledged their potential in tackling global malnutrition and food insecurity Consequently millets are being embraced as vital components of humanitarian initiatives and nutrition interventions worldwide This revolution offers a paradigm shift in our perception of what healthy and delectable snacks can be This resurgence breathes life into the livelihoods of farmers vendors and suppliers offering economic opportunities that ripple through communities and nationsBalancing tradition with innovation In the resurgence of millets entrepreneurs chefs and culinary enthusiasts are rediscovering ancient recipes infusing them with modern flavours The millets adaptability shines in contemporary cuisine highlighting their versatility This revival sparks a renewed interest in traditional farming bolstering smallscale farmers and crop diversity Governments and organisations champion millet cultivation through policies seed subsidies and research investments Educational initiatives spread awareness about the millets nutritional and environmental benefitsThe rebranding of the millet from an ancient staple to a modern superfood is a testament to their resilience and adaptability This fullcircle moment of this wonder grain embodies the potential to address contemporary challenges like malnutrition and climate change A kilogram of millets requires only 6501200 litres of water whereas up to 5000 litres of water is required to cultivate the same amount of rice making the millet a far more viable option to grow in arid and semiarid regions while also being ecofriendly As we embrace their ancient wisdom and balance it with modern innovation production practices and harvesting techniques millets present an invaluable opportunity to sustain human health and the planets wellbeing for generations to comeThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever