Operation Millet: Seizing the opportunities for Millet Promotion: International Year of Millets, 2023

Pindi Foundation aims to promote the millet utilization in 2023, also dedicated as international year of millets. Operation Millet has been launched in September 2022 with the following objectives:

• Sensitization of folks about millet use and its agro-ecological and health benefits
• Orientation of farmers towards millet cultivation
• To introduce millet as key component in routine diet

Key strategies:

• IEC activities among masses with focus on demand and supply
• Capacity building workshops with key stakeholders, Agriculture Universities and State Authorities (and expansion at central level) to device methods and policies to promote millet cultivation and consumption
• Sensitization and training workshops with farmers for crop diversification and to identify potential barriers and possible solutions regarding millet production

Expected outcomes:

• Increase in cultivation of millet crops for human consumption
• Policy reforms to support millet based agri markets and businesses for farmers
• Increased consumption of millets in daily human diet and its health benefits
• Promotion of research and development activities on role of millets in achieving human and environmental health.

Figure 3: Ayurvedic concept of linkage of environmental health with human health

A healthy life requires a healthy environment as outlined in Indian Medical System of Ayurveda. Millets are the key to restore the health for humans and their environment.

As is mentioned in the Holy Scripture of Japji Sahib, ‘pawan guru pani pita mata dharat mahat’, significance of air, water and soil in universal life and health is equivalent to significance of having a great teacher, a father and a mother in an individual’s life. Conserving these natural resources is our prime moral duty.

Pindi Foundation invites key stakeholders to be part of this initiative.

References:

1. https://www.dailypioneer.com/2021/state-editions/the-bane-of-water-guzzling-agriculture.html#:~:text=Wheat%20and%20rice%20are%20our,of%20sugarcane%20in%20the%20world.
2. Thakur JS, et al. Epidemiological study of high cancer among rural agricultural community of Punjab in Northern India. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2008 Dec;5(5):399-407.
3. Thakur JS, et al. Genotoxicity and Adverse Human Health Outcomes Among People Living Near Highly Polluted Waste Water Drains in Punjab, India. Epidemiology: November 2008 – Volume 19 – Issue 6 – p S313
4. Ground water year book Panjab and Chandigarh (UT) 2019-2020.http://cgwb.gov.in/Regions/NWR/Reports/Ground%20Water%20Year%20Book%20of%20Punjab%20State%202020-2021.pdf