From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Apr 24: As part of the three-day national trade fair on Organics and Millets 2017, being held in Bengaluru from April 28, Karnataka’s Agriculture Minister Krishna C Byregowda on Monday launched a new catchy campaign to attract the younger generation to the use and benefits of millets attractively titled, ``Millet Maga and Millet Magalu,’’ as Next Gen Smart Food.

Speaking on the occasion to give a boost to millets, the minister said everywhere in the world, across ages and geographies, people are recognizing the need to eat smart! 

“After all, we are what we eat. However, there is a lack of thought, of time, of options - leading to diets that are nutritionally deficient. That’s where Next Gen Smart Foods for all of us, and particularly for Gen next are becoming a subject of interest. And Millets are the new heroes, as Millets are a homegrown solution, gluten free, nutri-cereal, a friend of the farmer, and a sustainable solution for our planet,’’ he said.

Smart food comprising of millets and organics, is a collective term for food that is good for you, good for the planet and good for farmers. Grown organically, with the least impact on environment and maximum health benefits, Smart foods are the one stop solution for a Smart living. Millets, sorghum, grain legumes and other organically grown produce fit the UN standards as Smart foods that are highly nutritious, while also being ecologically sound.

“Let’s Millet,’’ he said and added, “The poor man’s food is soon emerging as the rich man’s saviour.’’

Millets are ancient grains knows as Barnyard Millet, Finger Millet, Foxtail Millet, Kodo Millet, Little Millet, Pearl Millet, Proso Millet and Sorghum and have made a timely revival and Karnataka is best suited for their emergence and spread! Millets are climate smart crops that can substitute wheat and rice in most recipes, keeping you full for longer. They are also naturally organic, which means they need less or no fertiliser. They are safe, healthy, tastier, versatile and more nutritious! So, children, adults, gen next alike - let’s millet!

The minister said millets grow faster with minimal fertilisers and pesticides and have a low water footprint.
• Low Water Footprint (30%< Maize, 70% < Rice)
• Need only 350-400mm annual rainfall (less water than other grains)
• Low Subsistence Crop
• Grow with minimal fertilizers and pesticides
• Low Carbon Footprint
• Less Stress on Environment
• Naturally Organic
• Highest Ecological Footprint
• Climate Smart

Good for the Farmer 

He said millets are naturally climate smart. They are typically the last crop standing in times of drought. Some cultivars of pearl millets have been known to withstand up to 64 degree Celsius. Millets have the potential to become a good risk management strategy for the farmers. The multiple untapped uses (fodder, biofuels, food products, brewing and more) can also be of good value for farmers if developed. Millets also have a large scope for further yield development as they involve:
• Low Input Cost
• Low Risk Crop
• Last Standing Crop
• Rich in Fodder
• Drought Tolerant
Millets come with multiple health benefits. They are not only highly nutritional but also provide solutions to some of the highest nutritional problems. These are gluten-free and non-acid forming foods. Hence they are soothing and easy to digest. They are considered to be the least allergenic and most digestible of all grains. Compared to rice, especially polished rice, millets release lesser percentage of glucose over a longer period of time. This lowers the risk of diabetes. 

Millets are particularly high in minerals like iron, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium. Finger millet (Ragi) has the richest calcium content, about 10 times that of rice or wheat.

Go Organic For your Organs

While millets are the Next Gen Smart Food, Karnataka, India’s number One smart State goes beyond millets and offers a wide variety of organic produce. The state takes an integrated approach to develop natural resources, sustain livelihood and the security of all farmers. Karnataka is where you ‘Go Organic, for your Organs’.

The Organics and Millets National Trade Fair 2017, is organized by the State’s Department of Agriculture, Karnataka State Agricultural Produce Processing and Export Corporation Limited (KAPPEC), State Agricultural Universities, Jaivik Krishik Society, International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA) will be the starting point to launch many ideas that are progressive, from a market and consumer standpoint.