It was only that millets got their due credit when 2023 was declared as the “International Year of Millets”. This recognition got people across the globe to identify the superfood millet, the amazing benefits it holds, effortless ways to incorporate it in the diet while staying conscious towards the environment.
Millets belong to the Paniceae family, are small sized, round shaped grains that are widely known for their sustainability. These grains promote environmentally friendly agriculture and reduce carbon footprint. As they do not put any strain on our environment, millets are now recognised as the new-age grain, while promoting nutritional security to nations.
This blog delves into the environmental benefits of choosing millets.
According to the United Nations, millets can be instrumental in achieving SDG goals. SDG stands for sustainable development goals and are divided into SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being), SDG 12 (Sustainable consumption, production and climate action).
- Millets Can Grow In Adverse Climates and Are Drought-Resistant Crops - Even less fertile soil can support millet growth. They are heat-tolerant crops that can withstand droughts as well. Because of its endurance to harsh weather, millet is a crop that is favoured in arid and semi-arid regions where even common crops like rice or wheat cannot be cultivated.
- Millets Require Less Water - One of the main issues that the world faces at this juncture is the lack of water. Global Trends indicates that in the next 20 years, even the wealthy countries are most at danger for water security, which will lead to food insecurity. Millets appear to be a fantastic solution to this issue as they require 70–80% less water.
- Millets Provide a Natural Defence Against Pests - With the overuse of fertilisers and other chemicals, there is an increased risk to our health. In fact, studies reveal a strong correlation between elevated pesticide exposure and serious health issues such non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukaemia. Millets prove to be an excellent and natural defence against pests and chemicals as they can be organically grown and require fewer pesticides.
- Millets Also Promote Healthy Soils - One of the main problems with the environment is poor soil health. To solve this problem, millets can be quite helpful. In addition to increasing soil fertility and general health, millets help stop soil depletion.
- Providing Food and Nutrition Security - The world is already battling food challenges and feeding the expanding population is extremely difficult. Millet production can address this issue as they are adaptable to diverse growing conditions, and resilient to extreme climates. Being one of the most underutilised crops, millets are helpful in maintaining food security and preventing hunger owing to its low input costs, market opportunities and sustainable agriculture opportunities.
- Friendly for Farmers - As millets require less care and can be grown in rich soil, farmers will benefit from its production. They have the potential to significantly lessen farmers' financial burdens and give them financial security as well.
In addition to these sustainable benefits, millets have been a staple food in different cultures for thousands of years. Ever since the prehistoric era, millets preserve traditional food systems, cultivation, and dietary diversity as well.
Haritha Foods: Your Partner in Sustainable Eating
By choosing Haritha's ready-to-cook millet meals, millet staples and millet flours, you're actively contributing to a healthier planet. We source our millets from sustainable farms and use eco-friendly practices throughout our production process.
Here's how you can embrace the millet revolution with Haritha Foods:
- Explore our Range: We offer a variety of delicious and convenient millet-based food products to suit your taste and lifestyle. From millet khichdi to millet upma and ragi idli mixes, there's something for everyone.
- Get Creative: Our millet flours are perfect for baking nutritious cookies, pancakes and even millet rotis. Unleash your inner chef and experiment with the versatility of millets!
- Spread the Word: Share your love for millets with friends and family. Talk about the environmental benefits and encourage them to join you on the journey towards sustainable eating.
Join Haritha Foods in our mission to nourish your body and the planet with every millet meal!