Millet Consumption in Times of Pandemics
J. Poornima Jency
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (641 003), India
DOI: NIL
Keywords: COVID-19, Health, Pandemic, Small millets
Abstract
In emerging tropical regions, cultivable plant-based food supplies are incapable of meeting proteins for both animals and humans. In underdeveloped countries, cereal-based meals have low bioavailability of minerals such as iron and zinc, posing a serious challenge for newborn and young children. One unconventional method to addressing malnutrition and ensuring readiness for natural crises is to popularise the agricultural productivity of crops that are minimally grown in resource-constrained places. These crops, also known as underused crops, are cultivated in dry and semi-arid environments with low soil fertility, little rainfall, and minimal insect pest assault. Furthermore, these crops are nutritionally rich and have the ability to modify diets and combat food and nutritional deficits for marginal people. This paper aims to be concerned with and build a special agenda for these crops, which must be acknowledged as an essential food, and to promote millets as a nutritious diet, therefore meeting the nutritional needs of the world population and combating malnutrition especially in times of pandemic.
Downloads
not found
Reference
Banerjee, P., Maitra, S., 2020. The Role of Small Millets as Functional Food to Combat Malnutrition in Developing Countries. Indian Journal of Natural Science 10(60), 20412-20417.
Chandel, G., Meena, R.K., Dubey, M., Kumar, M., 2014. Nutritional properties of minor millets: neglected cereals with potentials to combat malnutrition. Current Science 107(7), 1109-1111.
Muthamilarasan, M., Prasad, M., 2021. Small Millets for Enduring Food Security Amidst Pandemics. Trends Plant Science 26(1), 33-40.