Empowering Tribal India through Millet-based Nutritional Security
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20553040Keywords:
Challenges, Government policies, Millets, Nutritional security, Tribal communityAbstract
Millets are one of the oldest crops grown in India. They are highly nutritious cereals, climate resilient crops and were traditionally the main food of tribal communities. This article highlights the major millets grown in India and their nutritional compositions with health benefits. It also explains the issues faced by tribal communities, including nutritional insecurity (malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies) and economic constraints. It also highlights the significant role of millets in enhancing nutritional security and supporting rural and tribal livelihoods through rural enterprises and value-added millet products. Various government policies and schemes at both the central and state levels, such as the Odisha Millet Mission, are being implemented to increase millet cultivation and consumption. This article also highlights the challenges faced by tribal communities in millet production and offers recommendations to overcome them.
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