Millet, once regarded as the “poor man’s food” in Nepal, is gradually reclaiming its place as a vital crop in the country’s agricultural and health landscape. Ranked as Nepal’s fourth most important crop, millet thrives in the hilly regions, where it is often grown in less fertile, dry soils with minimal investment.
Traditionally undervalued in a rice-dominant culture, millet is now gaining recognition due to its resilience and significant health benefits, making it a key player in ensuring food security. The International Year of Millets 2023 offers a unique opportunity to raise global awareness about the numerous benefits of millets, ranging from nutrition and health to environmental sustainability and economic development.
It aims to strengthen the interaction between science and policy, foster partnerships, and mobilise stakeholders to promote and produce millets. The initiative also encourages increased millet consumption among the public, emphasising its role in sustainable agriculture and healthy diets.
Nutritional powerhouse rediscovered
Millet is a nutrient-dense grain, rich in calcium, protein, fibre, and essential vitamins. It boasts 35 times more calcium than rice and 8 times more than wheat, making it a valuable source of nutrition. Known by various local names millet provides vital nourishment not only for healthy individuals but also for children, pregnant women, and those suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Millet’s significance is not just nutritional; it also holds cultural value. Ethnic communities like the Newa, Gurung, and Tamang incorporate millet in their rituals and festivals. Additionally, millet-based alcoholic beverages, popular among locals and tourists alike, have become a staple in Nepali social life.
Millet’s resurgence is evident in its growing presence in high-end Kathmandu restaurants, highway eateries, and homestays in Nepal’s mountainous regions. Millet-based dishes and drinks, including millet beer, are increasingly offered to visitors, symbolising Nepal’s rich culinary heritage. Even its hay serves as valuable fodder for livestock, making millet a multi-purpose crop.
Despite its rich nutritional profile and adaptability, millet remains underutilised in Nepal. According to the 2078 BS census, 57.3% of Nepal’s population is engaged in agriculture, and a significant portion of the rural population relies on millet.
However, millet farming is still largely traditional, leading to lower yields compared to other crops. In the fiscal year 2079/80, millet was cultivated on 227,934 hectares, producing 310,887 metric tons, with a productivity rate of only 1.36 tons per hectare. The use of local varieties and outdated farming techniques have hindered its full potential.
Tapping into millet’s potential
Millet is a drought-resistant crop, perfectly suited for Nepal’s rain-fed agriculture, especially in regions between 500 and 2,400 meters above sea level. Promoting improved varieties such as Okhle Kodo-1 and Dalle Kodo-1 can significantly boost production. With better awareness and targeted efforts, millet could become a solution to the country’s food security challenges, especially in hilly and highland areas where rice is scarce and costly to transport.
Millet’s versatility also makes it an excellent choice for future food security. By increasing local production of millet, alongside other crops like maize, barley, and buckwheat, Nepal can reduce its dependency on imported food and ensure that marginalised farmers have a reliable crop to depend on.
Millet is not just a food; it’s a superfood. It is known to reduce the risk of heart disease, lower bad cholesterol, and support bone health, particularly for children and the elderly. Its high fibre content improves digestion, preventing constipation and other digestive issues.
Millet is especially beneficial for people with diabetes, as it helps regulate blood sugar levels. It also detoxifies the body, boosts immunity, and reduces the risk of various cancers, including breast cancer. For pregnant and lactating women, millet is a rich source of nutrients that can help increase milk production and prevent malnutrition.
Additionally, millet helps in weight management, controls blood pressure, promotes better sleep, and enhances skin health. It is truly a grain for all ages and health needs.
To fully harness millet’s potential, Nepal needs a coordinated effort between the government, agricultural institutions, and local farmers. By introducing millet promotion programs, providing subsidised seeds, and expanding cultivation through strategic farming zones, millet can play a vital role in Nepal’s sustainable agricultural future. Expanding millet farming would not only strengthen food security but also increase farmers’ incomes and create employment opportunities.
The time has come for Nepal to embrace millet as a crop of the future. Its resilience, nutritional value, and cultural significance position it as an essential part of Nepal’s agricultural landscape. With the right support, millet can help address the country’s food security challenges while promoting healthier eating habits for generations to come.
