MILLET MAGIC- OLD IS GOLD

    Millets are small-seeded grasses that are hardy and grow well in dry zones as rain-fed crops, under marginal conditions of soil fertility and moisture. They are one of the oldest foods known to humans and possibly the first cereal grain to be used for domestic purposes. They are also unique due to their short growing season. They can develop from planted seeds to mature, ready to harvest plants in as little as 65 days. This is important in heavily populated areas. When properly stored, whole millets will keep for two or more years.
     Rice, wheat etc., are the grains we eat on a day to day basis. Millet's are rounded grains that belong to the grass family. Millet's have been one of the oldest and most important crops grown by man. They consume less water and can easily grow naturally without the use of any chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Although millets look small they possess many health benefits.

How do we consume millets?

       

     The grains that come from the husk of millets are also called as rice just as we call the seed from the paddy as rice such as foxtail, little millet, proso, kodo and barnyard millets are called as rice especially in local languages and whatever dishes that can be made with rice can also be done using these millets.

    The importance given to promote rice and wheat to overcome shortage in food products since the green revolution in 1960 has lead to other grains disappearing from the market. Lot of organizations are now in the process of reviving these forgotten grains, right from the collection of seeds to encouraging and convincing the farmers to produce them in larger quantities such that the common man is able to reap the benefits of these millets.

    It is indeed a great distress that India has been identified as a nation of many chronic diseases, and said to be the capital of diabetes in the world. The usage of millets is one of the major solutions to this problem.