Facing the Challenge of Hunger and Malnutrition in the Country by Increasing the Production of Coarse Cereals

By Vijay Garg

In such a situation, certainly by increasing the production and distribution of coarse grains, the challenge of hunger and malnutrition in the country can be faced and it can be ensured that no person in the country sleeps hungry. At this time, when the challenges of hunger and malnutrition are emerging in the country, the possibilities of overcoming these challenges are also visible through the widespread promotion of the International Year of Millets (International Millets Year) 2023 by more production and distribution of millets. 

According to 'The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World Report-2022' published by the United Nations, in 2021, India's 22.4 crore population was facing malnutrition and hunger, so the total number of people facing the challenge of malnutrition in the world was 76.8 crores. According to various global reports, by increasing the intake of coarse grains in the plates of this malnourished population, we can move forward on the path of reducing malnutrition. 

Significantly, coarse grains are called the powerhouse of nutrition. Jowar in the category of nutritious grains, Bajra, Maize, Ragi, Cheena, Kodo, Sawan, Kutki, Kuttu and Chaulai are the major ones. Millets are farmer-friendly crops. Their production results in less water consumption and fewer carbon emissions. It can also be grown in dry conditions. Millets are a storehouse of micronutrients, vitamins and minerals. It is especially beneficial in the nutrition of young children and pregnant women. In an era of growing demand for vegetarian foods, millets provide an alternative food system. Their cultivation is cheap and less risky. Coarse grains storage is easy and they remain collectible for a long time. Millets used to be a major part of everyone's plate in the country till a few decades ago. Then after the Green Revolution and extensive research on wheat rice, wheat rice started getting maximum use everywhere with reduced focus on coarse grains.

Although the productivity of coarse cereals per hectare has increased as compared to five decades ago on the basis of technology and other facilities, their area has decreased rapidly and their yield has decreased. Their consumption has been decreasing continuously.  It is noteworthy that the share of coarse cereals, which once had a share of about forty percent in our food grain production, has reduced to less than ten percent at present. In such a situation, it is necessary to ensure a nutritious diet for crores of people in the country. 

Significantly, under the National Food Security Act, about two-thirds of the country's population is entitled to receive subsidized food grains. Distribution of coarse grains at the rate of Re.3 per kg, Rs.2 per kg of wheat and Re.1 per kg is necessary for all eligible families. In addition, a large portion of food grains is also being consumed for the prime minister’s Kalyan Anna Yojana. 

Since millets have more nutrients than wheat and rice and are farmer-friendly crops, their increased production and distribution would go a long way in reducing malnutrition. Most of the Indian states grow one or more millets. Especially since April 2018, the government is working in 'mission mode' to increase the production of coarse cereals in the country. Relief has been increased in the minimum support price of coarse grains. Under this security mission, the coarse grains component is being implemented in two hundred and twelve districts of fourteen states. Various assistance is given to the farmers to grow them. There are more than 500 start-ups working in the millet value-added chain in the country. 

India's share in the global production of coarse cereals is about forty percent. India ranks first in their production and export in the whole world. Special efforts were made for their production in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Certainly, under the International Millet Year 2023, it should be the strategy of the government that the way steps have been taken to promote other cash crops in the last four-five decades, similar steps should be taken in the context of millet grains as well. When the farmers will be sure that they can get the right price for the production of coarse grains, then undoubtedly, they will be encouraged to cultivate coarse grains as well. 

Now the share of coarse grains and minimum support price in government procurement will also have to be increased. Continuous research on coarse grains at the agricultural research institutes of the country will have to be increased by the Ministry and biofertilizer technology will have to be used more for higher yield. To popularize coarse grains, more work will have to be done in the direction of making noodles, crisps, etc., which will expand the market of coarse grains.

 Farmers will be more encouraged for their cultivation. Especially to overcome the challenge of malnutrition in the country and the world, as well as ensure food security and control the prices of food grains, an important role in the public distribution of coarse grains will have to be made.  In order to ensure more supply of coarse grains as compared to wheat and rice to the common man through the system, a new strategy will have to be made to increase government procurement of coarse grains and increase their exports. 

Undoubtedly, in times of growing global malnutrition and hunger crisis, many more factors have to be kept in mind in reducing the challenge of hunger and malnutrition in India, along with the increased supply of millet. More expansion of welfare schemes for the empowerment of the poor in the country, improvement in the agriculture sector and new steps to increase food production will be necessary. 

Now it will be beneficial for the central government to transfer more cash money through DBT to the bank accounts of crores of poor, farmers and weaker sections. With more benefits of government schemes reaching the beneficiaries through DBT, the poor will be empowered and the challenge of malnutrition will be reduced. By strengthening the system of community kitchens, the government will have to ensure effective arrangement of food for the needy, who are not getting the benefit of the Public Distribution System (PDS) as well as in the country to eliminate multidimensional poverty, hunger and malnutrition, Poshan Abhiyaan-2 has to be made fully effective and successful.  

It is expected that India, chairing the G-20, will be successful in creating awareness for millets in the country and the world in view of the objectives and goals of the International Year of Millets 2023, and this will increase global production and global consumption of millets. With this, coarse grains will once again get more space in the plates of most of the people of the country and the world and millions of people of the country and the world will be saved from hunger and malnutrition and will be able to get success in getting out of the challenges. 

The writer is Retired Principal & Educational Columnist. Views expressed are his personal