FAO Feature: 6 reasons to take millets to the market!

FAO Feature: 6 reasons to take millets to the market!
In commemoration of the International Year of Millets 2023, FAO is collaborating with partners to realise millets' tremendous potential as affordable foods that can contribute to healthy diets and a healthy environment

We are small, but we are powerful. We thrive where others fail. We care for soils and ecosystems, and we feed everyone.

What are we?

Millets!

Millets are a diverse group of small-grained, dryland cereals that include, among others, foxtail, barnyard, and fonio. Millets are a good source of essential nutrients because they are whole grains.

Millets are grown primarily in Asia and Africa, with India leading the way, followed by Nigeria, Niger, and China. They were among the first plants to be domesticated and are still a traditional staple crop in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

These crops have long survived harsh growing conditions because they are rooted in ancient cultures and ancestral traditions. Their climate resilience and adaptability provide opportunities for improving food security and economic growth.

In commemoration of the International Year of Millets 2023 (IYM2023), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is collaborating with partners to realise millets’ tremendous potential as affordable foods that can contribute to healthy diets and a healthy environment.

You may also like to read – IYOM2023: Huge potential for farmers, consumers by strengthening millet value chain

Here are six compelling reasons why millets deserve our attention and a seat at the table:

  1. Millets are there when others are not

There is an ever-increasing global population that requires adequate and healthy food in the face of climate emergencies and depleting natural resources. Millets can contribute to the solution. These grains can withstand harsh weather conditions, providing solutions to food scarcity. Millets can be a vital food source for populations vulnerable to food insecurity because they are often the only crops that can be harvested during dry seasons.

2. Millets can contribute to a healthy diet

Millets are a good source of antioxidants, minerals, and protein. As whole grains, each millet variety contains a different type and amount of fibre, which aids in the regulation of bowel function, blood sugar, and lipids.

Furthermore, millets are gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, making them an excellent food choice for those suffering from celiac disease, gluten intolerance, high blood sugar, or diabetes. They can also be a low-cost source of iron. Incorporating millets into our diets can provide us with nutritious and healthy alternatives to the traditional refined grains available on the global market. Start looking into millet recipes, such as these finger millet pancakes, to help you revamp your diet!

3. Millets are climate-resilient

Millets are drought resistant and resistant to crop diseases and pests, allowing them to thrive in harsh climatic conditions.

Expanding millet production can transform local agrifood systems to be more efficient, resilient, and inclusive because millets can be grown with minimal inputs and maintenance and can adapt to climate shocks. Millets’ ability to grow in poor, degraded soils can also provide land cover in arid areas, helping to reduce soil degradation and support biodiversity.

4. Millets provide promising income opportunities for small-scale farmers

As other cereals became more popular, dietary preferences shifted, resulting in a decrease in millet production and demand. We can help millets regain market share and create additional opportunities for small-scale farmers by encouraging the consumption and production of these underutilised crops.

5. Trade of millets can enhance the diversity of the global food system

Millets currently account for less than 3 per cent of the global grain trade. When the foodgrain market experiences a sudden shock, millets can be a valuable alternative to commonly traded grains. This increased diversity can help strengthen global trade markets and reduce our reliance on other grains.

6. Millets can be used in a variety of creative ways

Millets’ genetic diversity allows for many diverse and innovative applications in areas such as therapeutics and pharmaceuticals. Millets, when used creatively, provide even more market opportunities for regional and international trade.

It’s our year. Bring us back to your tables and unleash our full potential.

We are powerful. We are millets, but we cannot succeed on our own.

(Source: FAO)

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