Millets: Empowering the society with nutrient-rich superfoods to achieve sustainable development goals

Abstract

Despite remarkable scientific progress in agriculture and medical sciences, the underlying causes of malnutrition and poverty remain stubborn challenges. This could be attributed to our limited comprehension on the intricate interplay of tradition, cultture, and the economy influence various facets of health. In the past, the sustainable practice of cultivating millets through natural and integrated farming, alongside mixed crop agriculture, played a vital role in maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Unfortunately, this valuable tradition has been neglected over time, partly due to various reasons and a lack of awareness. However, this presents an opportune moment to re-evaluate the potential of millets, not only for their health benefits but also for their positive impact on the environment and agricultural resilience. The Government of India (GoI) has taken steps in promoting millets through various programs and initiatives. Additionally, raising awareness through publications and validating traditional practices with scientific methods will not only facilitate research but also strengthen the bond between people, science, and their cultural heritage. Nonetheless, reintroducing millets into the Indian diet faces considerable challenges, primarily due to the pervasive influence of existing advertisements promoting cereal-based products, internal kitchen politics within households, market-driven agricultural practices, and economic factors. Despite these obstacles, the current manuscript aims to provide insights into developing a roadmap that enables the achievement of sustainable development goals through the integration of millets.