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“Millets serve an incredible role in country's economy”
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Monday, 13 February, 2023, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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 India is driving the millet mission, This year designated as the International Year of Millets is envisioned to promote the humble millet to reverse illnesses and boost wellness. A slew of novel ready-to-eat creations have stormed into the market to bring in both health and convenience for families keen on home cooked meals. Millets are the grain of the future. It is the government mandate to introduce millet in their canteen menus, said Sharmila Oswal, founder, Gudmom by 1Organic, in an email interaction with Nandita Vijay. Excerpts:
There is considerable enthusiasm about millets in India and the need to consume, how do you think this will replace the rice and wheat from a daily diet?
It is true that eating millets has a lot of amazing benefits. Although it won't be simple to replace the staple foods of rice and wheat because of widespread usage which has become a part of our daily life. At the same time, we know that eating rice and wheat rapidly raises blood sugar levels but eating millet does not. Millets have therefore proven crucial and important in reversing diabetes and other chronic conditions. We must go gradually and methodically as it will take some time. There are people in India who are health-conscious, and wellness concerned; they have reduced their consumption of wheat and rice and only eat it once in a while.
Could you throw some light on the millet movement and how it is contributing towards the International Year of Millets?
Currently, India is driving this millet mission, as India has proposed to the United Nations that 2023 be designated as the International Year of Millets, and I am delighted that it has been accepted by the United Nations. So, 2023 is designated as the International Year of Millets for the entire globe, with the goal of promoting the positive health advantages of millets, such as creating a strong immune system and reversing illnesses. It's all about wellness and boosting your ancient grain.
What are the key developments planned for the Year of the Millets?
The Government of India is heavily promoting millets. It has communicated to all the ministries to introduce millets in their canteens. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that it should begin with mid-day meals. So, it is the mandate of the government to have millets daily, as well as the direction issued to all retailers and the hotel industry to introduce millet in their menus.
Which are the countries that would play a key role in the Year of Millets?
India is spearheading this mission and is a key country for the millet mission. Our country is the largest producer of millets. It is also emerging globally as a millet hub. At the same time, the United States, United Kingdom, South Asia and Europe are playing an important part in the millet mission.
What is the outcome expected from the Year of the Millets that could develop into a policy for mandatory once a day consumption of millets?
Developing a policy to include millets in the diet will necessitate a nationwide push by the government. We need an initiative on similar lines that of the NECC Egg campaign ‘Sunday ho ya Monday roz khao ande,’ which was a nationwide effort, to encourage the public to consume millets. The pandemic too has been an eye-opener to show that a strong immune allows a medicine-free life. Hence, consumption of superfoods or magical foods for the poor is important.
How would Gudmom by 1Organic be positioned as the Indian face of the UN’s ‘Year of the Millets 2023’ campaign?
Gudmom by 1Organic has played a vital role in our research and development over the last 20 years, since we know millet is drought-, water-, climate-friendly, carbon-neutral and regenerative crop. As a result, it offers several advantages. We have developed novel millet goods that will be popular and readily embraced by the present generation to replace junk food and refined flour on the plate.
What is the current scene for millet consumption in India?
Only a few Indian states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Orissa and South India (are at the forefront), where the primary diet includes Jowar, Bajra and Ragi roti. However, current trends are moving, and the younger generation, which does not enjoy eating this sort of roti, is gradually transitioning to healthier meals after learning about the health benefits. In truth, all of the country's youth are looking for healthy foods, therefore these are the greatest options for them to keep good health and bravely face any pandemic.
What are the visible trends that you sight in this space?
Millet is a coarse, rain-fed grain. Millets are widely available in the market and are known as Sama, Kutki, Kangi, Chena, Varai, Bhagar, Sanwa, Jowar, Bajra, Nachni and Ragi. These are the most common and ancient grains. There is no difficulty in obtaining these grains. At the same time, there is a large supply of processed grain to prepare unique millet recipes. It’s not merely the usual khichdi or rotis as there is access to a variety with ready-made and ready-to-eat alternatives.
What are the challenges faced to market millets in processes form and as a grain?
Growing millets presents few difficulties because it is a regenerative crop. It can be cultivated even if water is less and poor soil quality. But if the government can provide processing machinery to start-ups and FPOs and FPCs, they will be able to readily prepare food from the grains they produce. Aside from the grain market, they might also have a product market with a processing plant.
In your view are millets gaining popularity among health-conscious youth?
Millet was already famous before the launch of this campaign because of the awareness to eat healthy. In India, nutritionists and dieticians recommend millet instead of wheat and rice for weight loss, gut health, and overall well-being. It is also true that millet is becoming more popular because of the International Year of Millets. Millets serve an incredible role in empowering farmers and the country's income and economy by serving national interests such as nutritious food security.
We gather that Gudmom by 1Organic has a range of ready-to-cook and ready-to-serve, hassle-free product range, which is creating a larger impact, can you share details on this?
We have created creative items to appeal to the current and future generations. When the current generation does not want to eat things like rice and chapatis in their daily meals, they prefer to ready-to-eat and ready-to-serve foods. The company has innovative products with international flavours like Mexican pizza, cheesy herbs, and smoked BBQ. Millet noodles, pasta, pizza, popcorn, khichdi, and millet crackers are made with cheesy herbs and may be eaten with dips or tea. These are options produced by us that are widely available, accessible, affordable, and most importantly, nutritious and organic. With hundreds of ready-to-eat, ready-to-serve, and ready-to-cook alternatives that are hassle-free if you are working, travelling or a student.
Which are the leading millets that are gaining popularity in India?
Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi often known as sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet, are the top three millets in India. However, the other five millet varieties are also gaining popularity. Brown top, Kodu, Proso, Barnyard and Foxtail are incredibly beneficial to the digestive system and can heal chronic conditions like diabetes. The three millets - Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi, are neutral, and these five are the positive millets.
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