Removing bran on millets reduces the benefits of eating them

Context: Removing the bran from
millets results in decreasing the protein, dietary fibre, fat, mineral and
phytate content in them while increasing the carbohydrates and amylose content,
a recent paper in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Springer has shown. This
could squander away the benefits of eating millets. The study was conducted by
the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), Chennai, and the Indian
Institute of Millet Research, Hyderabad.

Key points

·      
Millets: Millets
are drought-resistant, require less water and can grow in poor soil conditions.
This makes them a suitable food crop for areas with unpredictable weather
patterns and water scarcity.

Rich
in nutrients- Millets are a good source of fibre, protein,
vitamins, and minerals.

Gluten-free- Millets
are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for people with celiac disease
or gluten intolerance.

Adaptable- Millets
can be grown in a variety of soils and climates, making them a versatile crop
option for farmers.

Sustainable- Millets
are often grown using traditional farming methods, which are more sustainable
and environmentally friendly than modern, industrial farming practices.

·      
Initiatives taken by the Government: National
Millets Mission (NMM)- NMM was launched in 2007 to promote the production
and consumption of millets.

Price
Support Scheme (PSS)- Provides financial assistance to
farmers for the cultivation of millets.

Development
of Value-Added Products- Encourages the production of value-added millet-based
products to increase the demand and consumption of millets.

Promoting
Millets in PDS- The government has introduced millets in the
Public Distribution System to make it accessible and affordable to the masses.

Promotion
of Organic Farming- The government is promoting organic
farming of millets to increase the production and consumption of organic
millets.

·      
Way Forward: Adequate
Public Support- Small farmers in hilly regions and dryland plains who are
among the poorest households in rural India will cultivate millets only if it
gives them good returns.

Awareness
and Education- Lack of awareness about millets and their health
benefits can be addressed through education and promotion.

Availability
and Accessibility- Improving the availability of
millets in markets and making them more accessible to consumers can encourage
consumption.