'Adoption of millets in food still low'

There is a sharp decrease in the production of millets in Andhra Pradesh in recent years, where production of raagi and jowar has decreased by 50 per cent, and bajra by 60 per cent.

The adoption of the millets in food is very low irrespective of their nutritional qualities. Proper and channelised marketing techniques should be adopted to change the general perception of people towards millets, said Rajeshwara Rao, secretary general, Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce (Fapcci).

Some industry linkage should be created by the government to promote millet as the crop has the potential to address the food security problem in the country, he added.

JV Patil, director, Directorate of Sorghum Research (DSR), said, "We are in the process of defining our goals, tasks and planning for the 12th Five Year Plan. Also, we are formulating the vision 2030 to address the future thrust areas in sorghum production, research and marketing in the state."

DSR was working for inclusion of millets in the public distribution system (PDS), he said, at the seminar on millets organised by Fapcci here. Fapcci organised a one-day national workshop on value chain experiences on agricultural commodities millets and maize in association with the DSR.

"The state should encourage entrepreneurs to venture into millet-based products. The required technology is already available, but the awareness is still lacking," he said. The government bodies, industry and policy makers should come forward to take these initiatives, Rao said.