Know Why the Year 2023 Is Observed As the International Year of Millet

Since the dawn of time, millets have been a mainstay of human nutrition. They are a collective term for a variety of tiny-seeded grasses that are cultivated as grain crops in 131 nations. In addition to being rich in iron, manganese, phosphorus, and fiber, they are also high in protein. Because of their exceptional nutritional profile, millets are frequently referred to as "Superfoods." Millets have several incredible health advantages. They assist in losing weight and lower the chance of developing several lifestyle diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions. They lower levels of harmful cholesterol and have a low Glycemic Index. According to research, a millet-based diet promotes children's growth and combats anemia and malnutrition in young children. What’s more, millets are ready in a lot less time, don't need much water, and can thrive in rather poor soil. Millets are suitable for no-till and dryland farming. They can withstand heat and drought. Millets were an obvious choice given all these fantastic advantages since, in addition to being nutritious, they can make a difference by ensuring global food security  Here is an interesting fact: India is the world's largest producer of millets, making up 20% of production worldwide and 80% of production in Asia.  

These Bengal Women Adopt an Innovative Idea To Counter Anaemia

To increase the consumption of leafy vegetables by women, many of whom are undernourished and anemic, the West Bengal government's agricultural department has been promoting the cultivation of vegetables by supplying self-help groups with seeds and training. Sanjima Khatun, a 28-year-old housewife is one such beneficiary from West Bengal's Murshidabad district, who grows traditional vegetables in her kitchen garden. She also sells the extra produce in the neighborhood markets to make some money. Self-help group leaders give out seeds to members like Khatun, who then use the seeds to grow vegetables using organic manures since seasonal vegetables and fruits grown in kitchen gardens are a good source of vitamins and other micronutrients that can help prevent anemia. These vegetables are healthier than those sold in stores because only organic manure and compost are used as fertilizers. In the Hariharpara block, the majority of these self-help group members received training from senior members of their SHG clusters and agriculture officials around a year ago.  According to Jayati Mitra, a nutrition officer for UNICEF in West Bengal, which provides technical support and other assistance to the government for this project, seasonal fruits and vegetables are good sources of micronutrients and bring positive nutrition behavior change in terms of feeding choices and practices.