Page 31 - Millets Natures NutriGrain

The majority of the population does not consume millet every day.
Out of the 56 respondents, approx. 70% of them do not consume
Millets every day. About 30% of the population consumes some or
other forms of millet every day. This indicates a sizeable market and

hence good potential for millet production as well as consumption.
The study found that while respondents were most aware of the iron
and weight management benefits of millet, they were less aware

of the potential benefits for cancer, indicating a need for increased
awareness and education efforts.

Millets are considered to be a rich source of micronutrients, vitamins,
and dietary fibers and have the diverse health benefits mentioned

above. The data suggests that the lack of availability in grocery stores
or markets, limited knowledge on how to cook or prepare millets,
perception of millets as a “poor man’s food”, and lack of variety in
millet-based products are the major challenges faced by people when
incorporating millets into their diets.

The study found that among respondents who do not consume millet
every day, family taste or preferences were the most common reason,
followed by cooking time, limited availability, and dislike of taste.

Another study by Akshata Prabhavalkar, a student IMDR suggested
that measures to improve the consumption of jowar millets are as
follows:

1. Research and Evaluation: Conduct comprehensive research

and assessments to gain insights into the current consumption
patterns of jowar millets across various districts in
Maharashtra. This research will enable us to pinpoint areas
of opportunity and identify gaps in promoting jowar millets
effectively.

31 Millets: 2023