Yes

Yes, Millets are resistant to climatic stress, pests and diseases, this makes them a sustainable food source for combating hunger in changing world climate. Further, millets are not water or input-intensive, making them a sustainable strategy for addressing climate change and building resilient agri-food systems. Millets are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals that can help prevent chronic diseases and promote good health and well-being. Finally, because millets require fewer resources to grow than other crops, they can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Millet is being considered as a smart crop because it is tolerant to increased temperature and droughts, can be cultivated in dryland areas and it requires low water footprint. India itself has around seven popular millet varieties. Millets are environment-friendly grains and require less water and pesticides to grow and survive. Since millets are nutrient-dense cereals with the potential to address India's food and nutrition security, mainstreaming them under PDS could address the challenge of micronutrient deficiency. Many states have introduced millets in their food security programmes. Finger millet can play a key role in fighting malnutrition and bringing down the numbers of malnourished children less than five years of age. “Finger millet is high in calcium, zinc and iron. Several hybrids and varieties of pearl millet were developed during the past 50 years in India by both the public and private sectors. Pearl millet is also nutritionally superior and rich in micronutrients such as iron and zinc and can mitigate malnutrition and hidden hunger. Millets significantly contribute to human and animal diets owing to their high levels of energy, calcium, iron, zinc, lipids, and high-quality proteins. In addition, they are also rich sources of dietary fibre and micronutrients. Hidden hunger is the presence of multiple micronutrient deficiencies (particularly iron, zinc, iodine and vitamin A), which can occur without a deficit in energy intake as a result of consuming an energy-dense, but nutrient-poor diet.

Millets exhibit resilience to climate change through characteristics like drought tolerance, adaptability, and a short growing season. Their ability to thrive in various agro-ecological zones and on marginal lands contributes to their sustainability. As a nutrient-dense crop with a diverse nutritional profile, millets play a crucial role in eradicating malnutrition and addressing hunger. Rich in essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and magnesium, millets offer a balanced diet, and their gluten-free nature makes them suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions. The sustainable cultivation of millets, requiring fewer resources like water and fertilizers, contributes to environmentally friendly agriculture. By promoting millet cultivation and consumption, awareness about their nutritional benefits, and integration into mainstream agriculture, millets can help build resilient food systems, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change, and contribute significantly to global efforts in achieving food security and addressing nutritional challenges.

Dr Nyang' A Sammy thank you for your contribution to the discussion