Millets, an ancient grain gaining new popularity, are being recognized for their impressive nutritional value. Packed with essential nutrients and requiring less water to grow than other grains, millets are a promising solution for food security challenges.
The United Nations highlighted this by declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets, recognizing its potential at the G20 Summit in India with a showcase of millet-based dishes.
Millet is more than just an alternative grain; it is a nutritional powerhouse. It thrives under harsh conditions, requiring less water and fertilizer compared to traditional grains like wheat and rice. This makes millet a sustainable choice for arid regions increasingly affected by drought.
Researchers from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, along with Indian partners, have been studying the power behind this "wonder food." Using advanced technology, they've gained a deeper understanding of how millets efficiently absorb and store nutrients like iron and zinc.
This newfound knowledge can be used to develop even more nutritious varieties of other crops like wheat and barley. Additionally, researchers identified the precise location of minerals within millet seeds, crucial for preserving these vital nutrients during processing.
Millets are considered "nutri-cereals" due to their abundance of protein, fiber, essential minerals, and key amino acids. They boast ten times more calcium than wheat and are a superior source of iron and zinc.
Dr. Raju Soolanayakanahally, a key researcher and a native of Karnataka, India—a region where millet is a staple—notes the importance of millet in combating "hidden hunger." This refers to the lack of essential nutrients in diets, despite sufficient caloric intake, which is common in many developing countries.
Millets can be a valuable addition to diets, particularly for lactating women and children vulnerable to anemia. With climate change impacting traditional crops, he sees Canada playing a bigger role.
He suggests that by replacing areas less suitable for wheat or barley with millet cultivation, Canada can become a reliable supplier of this highly nutritious grain for the world.
Millets can be a valuable addition to diets, particularly for lactating women and children vulnerable to anemia. With climate change impacting traditional crops, he sees Canada playing a bigger role.
He suggests that by replacing areas less suitable for wheat or barley with millet cultivation, Canada can become a reliable supplier of this highly nutritious grain for the world.
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