29 Apr Millets Experience Centre (MEC)
Millets Experience Centre (MEC)
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “SMillets Experience Centre (MEC)”. The topic “Millets Experience Centre (MEC)” has relevance in the Environment section for the UPSC CSE exam.
Relevance of the topic “Millets Experience Centre (MEC)”
For Prelims:
What is Millets Experience Centre (MEC)?
For Mains:
GS 3: Environment
What is the importance of the Millets ?
What are the constraints in the adoption of millet as an alternative diet?
Way Forward
Why in the news?
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and NAFED launched the first Millets Experience Centre (MEC) at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi. The center aims to promote the adoption of millets among the general public and raise awareness of their nutritional value. The initiative was inaugurated by Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, and Shri Rajbir Singh, Managing Director, NAFED.
What is Millets Experience Centre (MEC)?
The Millets Experience Centre (MEC) is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and NAFED to promote awareness and adoption of millets among the general public.
It is a dedicated center that showcases the various types of millet available in the country, their nutritional value, and how they can be incorporated into the daily diet.
It aims to educate people about the benefits of consuming millet and to encourage their consumption for better health outcomes and a more sustainable food system. The first MEC was launched at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi, and is the first of its kind in India.
What are millets?
Millet refers to a group of small-seeded grasses that are cultivated as cereal crops for human consumption and animal feed.
Millets are highly adaptable to different agro-climatic conditions and can be grown in arid and semi-arid regions where other crops like wheat and rice cannot be cultivated.
There are several varieties of millets, including pearl millet, foxtail millet, finger millet, and sorghum.
What is the importance of Millets ?
Millets are highly nutritious, climate-resilient, and eco-friendly crops that have significant importance in our diets and agriculture.
- Nutritious diet: They are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and have a low glycemic index, which means they release energy slowly and help maintain blood sugar levels. Millets are also gluten-free and easily digestible, making them an ideal food for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- Climate-resilient: They can also withstand extreme weather conditions like drought and floods, ensuring food and livelihood security for farmers.
- Environment friendly: They are highly adaptable to different agro-climatic conditions and require less water and fertiliser compared to other crops, making them a sustainable option for farmers.
What are the constraints in the adoption of millet as an alternative diet?
Despite their numerous benefits, there are several constraints in the adoption of millets:
- Perception: Millets are often considered a poor man’s food and are associated with rural and backward areas. This perception limits their adoption among the urban and affluent populations.
- Processing: Millets require processing to remove their hard outer layer and make them edible. The lack of processing facilities and infrastructure limits their adoption.
- Marketing: There is limited marketing and awareness about millets, which hinders their promotion and adoption.
Way Forward
To promote the adoption and consumption of millets, the following steps can be taken:
- Awareness campaigns: The government and private sector can launch awareness campaigns through various media platforms to promote the adoption of millets.
- Processing infrastructure: The government can provide incentives to entrepreneurs to set up millet processing units in different regions.
- Research and development: There is a need for continued research and development of millets to improve their yield and nutritional content. This will require collaboration between the government, research institutions, and the private sector.
- Government support: The government can provide support to millet farmers by providing them with seeds, fertilizers, and financial assistance. This will encourage more farmers to adopt millet cultivation.
- Integration into food programs: Millets can be integrated into food programs like mid-day meals and public distribution systems to ensure that they reach a larger population.
- Branding and marketing: Millets can be branded and marketed to appeal to a wider audience. The private sector can take the lead in promoting millets through branding and marketing campaigns.
Overall, promoting the adoption and consumption of millets will require a collaborative effort from farmers, the government, research institutions, the private sector, and consumers to create a sustainable and nutritious food system.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-millet#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
No Comments