Publication:

Traditional wisdom, modern solutions: millets as medicine for India’s tribal communities

Millets, which are small-grained crops, are deeply rooted in Indian agriculture and food systems since ancient times. Despite their numerous health benefits, these nutritious grains have faced a significant downfall in agricultural land coverage in recent years and have been overshadowed by the popularity of crops like wheat and rice, especially after India’s Green Revolution. Interestingly, for many tribal communities across the country, millets remain not only a regular dietary item but also a symbol of their cultural identity and traditions. Tribes constitute approximately 8.6% of India's population and contribute significantly to the nation's ethnic/cultural diversity. As per UNICEF data, over 40% of under-five year tribal children are experiencing stunted growth and 16% of them are profoundly stunted owing to undernutrition. Millets, often termed 'Nutri-cereals' due to their superior nutritional profile, can be an important staple food for addressing nutritional deficiencies prevailing among tribal communities. In this review, we have compiled a comprehensive literature on the dietary benefits of millets, their pharmacological properties and their integration in tribal culture, and livelihood. Additionally, we have covered the significance of millets in the sustainable development of agriculture and the circular economy of farmers.