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Source: Hindu
Syllabus: Agriculture- Public Distribution System objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping
Context
As the data on diabetes epidemic in India are frightening, the government can provide a healthier and more balanced basket of products in the Public Distribution System (PDS) by including millets, and make available facilities such as public parks for people to exercise.
Millets in India
Millets are a group of small-seeded grasses that are grown in a variety of climates around the world. In India, millets are grown in a wide range of agro-climatic conditions, from the hot and humid plains to the cold and dry mountains.
Some of the factors that make millets well-suited to Indian climate include:
- Drought tolerance: Millets are drought-tolerant crops that can withstand long periods of dry weather. This makes them a good choice for farmers in areas with low rainfall.
- Heat tolerance: Millets are also heat-tolerant crops that can withstand high temperatures. This makes them a good choice for farmers in areas with hot summers.
- Salinity tolerance: Some millets are also salt-tolerant crops that can grow in soils with high levels of salinity. This makes them a good choice for farmers in areas with salty soils.
In addition to being drought-tolerant, heat-tolerant, and salt-tolerant, millets are also a good source of nutrients.
They are a good source of protein, fibre, and vitamins and minerals.
They are also gluten-free, which makes them a good choice for people with gluten allergies or sensitivities.
For these reasons, millets are an important crop in India.
They are a staple food for millions of people, and they are also a good source of income for farmers.
Here are some of the most common millets grown in India and their climate requirements:
- Pearl millet (bajra): Bajra is the most widely grown millet in India. It is a drought-tolerant crop that can be grown in a variety of soils. Bajra is a good source of protein and fiber, and it is also gluten-free. Bajra can be grown in a wide range of climates, from the hot and humid plains to the cold and dry mountains.
- Finger millet (ragi): Ragi is another popular millet in India. It is a good source of iron and calcium, and it is also gluten-free. Ragi is often used to make dosa, idli, and other South Indian dishes. Ragi can be grown in a warm and humid climate.
- Sorghum (jowar): Jowar is a type of millet that is grown in many parts of India. It is a good source of protein and fiber, and it is also gluten-free. Jowar is often used to make roti, khichdi, and other dishes. Jowar can be grown in a hot and dry climate.
- Foxtail millet (kangni): Kangni is a type of millet that is grown in the northern and western parts of India. It is a good source of protein and fiber, and it is also gluten-free. Kangni is often used to make porridge, kheer, and other dishes. Kangni can be grown in a warm and dry climate.
- Barnyard millet (jhangora): Jhangora is a type of millet that is grown in the central and eastern parts of India. It is a good source of protein and fiber, and it is also gluten-free. Jhangora is often used to make popcorn, laddoos, and other sweets. Jhangora can be grown in a warm and humid climate.
Little millet (kutki): Kutki is a type of millet that is grown in the southern parts of India. It is a good source of protein and fiber, and it is also gluten-free. Kutki is often used to make porridge, upma, and other dishes. Kutki can be grown in a warm and humid climate.
As you can see, there are many different types of millets that can be grown in India. These millets are a good source of nutrients, and they are also drought-tolerant, heat-tolerant, and salt-tolerant. This makes them a good choice for farmers in a variety of climatic conditions.
