Earlier known as coarse cereals the government rebranded millets in 2018 as nutri-cereals. In this context discuss the ecological and nutritional significance of millets

Millets were globally recognised as nutri-cereals under Indian leadership during International year of Millets 2023. Rebranding from coarse cereals to nutri-cereals => International recognition under UNO => Establishment of various research & development centre => Hyderabad - Sridhanya Millet Center Ecological significance of Millets: 1) Millets help in water conservation usually in water scarce regions - they require 30-40l. lower water than other cereal crops 2) Can grow in medium quality or low quality of soil - help in soil rejuvenation 3) Climate smart agriculture - Millets are crops of choice in combats & adapt to climate change 4) Emit relatively lower amount of carbon dioxide & methane gases 5) Reverse the ecological damage & defend the ecosystem by cultivating millets in arid climate zone

Usage: 4) Also Emit relatively lower amount of carbon dioxide & methane gases 5) Reverse the ecological damage & defend the ecosystem by cultivating millets in arid climate zone Nutritional significance of millets: 1) Higher dietary fibers - millets are rich in it is here cause the proces of digestion 2) Lower glycemic index - Reduces the level of carbohydrates intake 3) Better nutritional content - contains other micros nutrients like zinc, iron, silicon & also other minerals like zinc 4) Can fight against hidden hunger is issue of malnutrition => Availability & affordability of diet to file of wheat as a staple food 5) Better alternative & affordability of diet to file of wheat as staple food Therefore, Government should focus in increasing the area of cultivation combating with other agri-mission like organic farming.