| Paper | GS Paper 3 |
| Word Limit | 150 words |
| Syllabus Topic | Agriculture – Major crops and cropping patterns; food security |
Model Answer
Millets such as jowar, bajra and ragi are hardy, small-seeded grains, now called Shree Anna. On India’s proposal, the UN declared 2023 the International Year of Millets.
Millets link healthy diets with climate-smart farming
Role in Health Security
- Rich in nutrients: Notified as “Nutri-Cereals” in 2018. Ragi is rich in calcium; bajra in iron.
- Fights anaemia: Useful as 57% of women (15–49 years) are anaemic (NFHS-5, 2019–21).
- Lifestyle diseases: High fibre and low glycemic index help control diabetes.
- Gluten-free: Safe for gluten-intolerant people.
Role in Nutritional and Food Security
- Climate-resilient: Grow in dry, poor soils with little water.
- Diet diversity: Their use in PDS and PM POSHAN meals reduces rice-wheat dependence.
- Farmer income: Supports small, rainfed farmers.
Challenges and Steps
- Low yields, weak processing and changed food habits limit demand.
- ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad is being developed as a Global Centre of Excellence.
Conclusion
Millets can fight hidden hunger and climate risk together. Wider adoption supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
Related PYQs
- How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns in recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on millets production and consumption. (2018)
- Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions. (2023)
- What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India? (2021)
Also read: Millets – Super Simplified Notes
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