Promotion of nutri-cereals by the government is a rational decision that helps in alleviating malnutrition in India. Explain (200 Words)
Refer - The Indian Express
Enrich the answer from other sources, if the question demands.
IAS Parliament 3 years
KEY POINTS
· Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has endorsed India’s call for declaring 2023 as the “International Year of Millets”.
· The three major millet crops currently growing in India are jowar (sorghum), bajra (pearl millet) and ragi (finger millet).
· High in dietary fibre, nutri-cereals are a powerhouse of nutrients including iron, folate, calcium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorous, copper, vitamins and antioxidants.
· They are not only important for the healthy growth and development of children but have also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes in adults.
· Usually grown by small and poor farmers on dry, low-fertile, mountainous, tribal and rain-fed areas, millets are good for the soil, have shorter cultivation cycles and require less cost-intensive cultivation.
· Moreover, unlike rice and wheat, millets are not water or input-intensive, making them a sustainable strategy for addressing climate change and building resilient agri-food systems.
· In parallel, India saw a jump in consumer demand for ultra-processed and ready-to-eat products, which are high in sodium, sugar, trans-fats and even some carcinogens. This need was again met by highly-refined grains.
· Contrary to the popular belief, this phenomenon was not restricted to urban areas. With the intense marketing of processed foods, even the rural population started perceiving mill-processed rice and wheat as more aspirational. This has lead us to the double burden of mothers and children suffering from micronutrient deficiencies and the astounding prevalence of diabetes and obesity.
· The first strategy from a consumption and trade point of view was to re-brand coarse cereals/millets as nutri-cereals. As of 2018-19, millet production had been extended to over 112 districts across 14 states.
· Second, the government hiked the MSP of nutri-cereals, which came as a big price incentive for farmers. MSPs have been calculated so that the farmer is ensured at least a 50 per cent return on their cost of production.
· Third, to provide a steady market for the produce, the Modi government included millets in the public distribution system.
· Instead of working in silos, this multi-ministerial policy framework is a strategic move towards building an Atmanirbhar Bharat which resonates with the global call for self-sufficiency and sustainable development.
Pralay Sawant 3 years
IAS Parliament 3 years
Harsh 3 years
Please review
IAS Parliament 3 years
Try to explain how nutri-creals curb malnutrition. Keep Writing.
Venkat 3 years
Kindly review
IAS Parliament 3 years
Good attempt. Try tounderline key points. Keep Writing.
Venkateshwaran R 3 years
Kindly provide feedback. Thank you
IAS Parliament 3 years
Try to explain the role of nutri-cereals in alleviating malnutrition, details about malnutrition is not needed in this context. Keep Writing.
Venkateshwaran R 3 years
