Millets for food and nutrition security in India: determinants and policy implications
Millets for food and nutrition security in India: determinants and policy implications
Author
Islam, Shahidul
Manaloor, Varghese
Faculty Advisor
Date
2021
Keywords
millet , nutrition security , India
Abstract (summary)
Background: Food security has been a target in India since its independence; the
primary aim of food security is to ensure enough staple food for the entire
population. Although substantial progress was made through the adoption of
green revolution (GR) technologies and implementation of the food
public distribution system (PDS), desirable food and nutrition security, as defined by the food and
agriculture organization (FAO), is far from being realized. This paper scrutinized
the potential contribution of millets in achieving food and nutrition security in
India. Methods: The present study was conducted based on the secondary data
obtained from FAO Corporate Statistical Database and published literature on food
and nutrition security. The impact of the GR technologies and the PDS on food and
nutrition security was examined using 58 years of acreage, production, and yield of
rice, wheat, and millet, as well as comprehensive information on relevant issues
including climate. Results: Both GR technologies and PDS unduly favored two
principal crops, namely rice and wheat, marginalizing all other crops cultivated for
thousands of years to meet the food and nutrition requirement of mostly developing
countries including India. Millets constitute one such neglected group of crops in
India, which have tremendous potential for contributing to food and nutrition
security. Conclusions: Millets are to be included in the PDS alongside rice and
wheat so that they receive an appropriate Minimum Price Support. Appropriate
implementation of relevant regulations, continued research and development, and
adequate support for cultivation and marketing of millets are necessary in this
regard.
Publication Information
Islam, S. & Manaloor, V. (2021). Millets for food and nutrition security in India: determinants and policy implications. Journal of Nutrition and Food Security, 6(2),185-192. https://doi.org/10.18502/jnfs.v6i2.6074
DOI
Notes
Item Type
Article
Language
English
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC)
