Inclusion of millets in diet for first 1000 days of birth

BHUBANESWAR: Experts at the International Convention on Millets organised here on Thursday suggested the government to include millets in diet for the first 1000 days of birth of a baby. They gave several suggestions in the convention as a part of the 10-year policy roadmap for promotion, production, procurement and propagation of the millets in the country.
A brainstorming roundtable helmed by Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR) and NITI Aayog jointly stressed upon identifying implementation gaps and challenges in millet promotion.
The experts said all states should support farmers through incentives and assured procurement with inclusion of millets in the public distribution system (PDS). “Cultivation area of millets should be increased so that the required processing infrastructure can be created. Farmers should be remunerated by private players/companies,” said the speakers discussing the policy roadmap.
The speakers said focus should be given on research on agriculture. Short duration millets should be promoted as part of integrated farming. “International farming schools should be established at block level. Focus should be provided on increasing area yield production. Innovative marketing strategies with involvement of celebrities to be ensured,” said the speakers.
They said special care should be taken for preparation of ultra-processed foods. “More focus should be given on nutrition-rich food and promotion of organic millets,” said the speakers.