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MICRO ANALYSIS ON MINOR MILLETS IN KALLIGUDI
BLOCK OF MADURAI DISTRICT- TAMILNADU
S. Krishnan
District Statistical Officer (Computer), Department of Economics and Statistics, District Statistics Office, Madurai.
ABSTRACT
KEYWORDS INTRODUCTION Millets in India
Millets are recovered from the Indus Civilization site of Harappa located along the Ravi River. Millets are considered as one of the most important sources of dietary rich in proteins and used as stable food by the working force of the world. India is the largest producer of many kinds of millets, which are often referred as coarse cereals, but the area under millet production has been shrinking over the last five decades. In the present paper an attempt was made to focus the importance of area under millets, the problems and prospects in cultivation in the concern study area. It suggests to recognize millets and to promote their cultivation and consumption. If the government works determinedly and helps the farmers to cultivate millets, the country will be able to produce more millets and more fodder to the millions of cattle population of India. A massive educational and promotional programme on millets will improve the area of cultivation of these crops.
:Minor Millets, Varagu (kodo)cultivation, State Growth Balanced Fund.
Millets are the oldest food known to humans and possibly the first cereal grain to be used for domestic purposes. Millets are considered as one of the most important sources of dietary rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fibers for the people all over the world. Millets are used as stable food by the working force of the world. Among rain fed crops, millets figure prominently.
India is the largest producer of many kinds of millets, which are often referred as coarse cereals. However, realizing the nutrient richness of these grains they are now considered as” nutria-cereals. Millets and Small millets, as a group includes several grain crops namely sorghum( cholam), pear millet(cumbu), finger millet (ragi), italian millet (samai ) kodo millet (varagu), little millet(samai) and proso millet (panivaragu).Though they occupy relatively a lower position among feed crops in Indian agriculture, they are quite important from the point of food security at regional and farm level. They further contribute to the widening of food basket, which at present is narrow because of excessive dependence on a fewer food crops like rice and wheat. These crops have a long history of cultivation of more than 5000 years and grown in many states. Millet recovery from the Indus Civilization site of Harappa is located along the Ravi River exemplifies small millet seeds demonstrating that small millet cultivation was practiced at this site thousands of years earlier. They are quite important in areas of their production as dry land crops, especially in areas of argental and hill agriculture, providing staple food for the people of the region. They are drought hardy, ecologically sound and esuriently. Wide adaptability, early maturity, easy cultivation and assured harvests of these crops by and large have ensured regional food and feed security in the country. India is the largest producer of many kinds of millets called coarse cereals and small millets. It accounts for 40% of global millet production, the total production as per a 2005 statistics is 98, 10,000 MT per annum. Based on five-year average (1999 - 2003). India ranks 1st and 11th place in top global consumption and per-capita consumption of millets, respectively. In the present paper an attempt was made to focus on the importance of area under millets, the problems and prospects in cultivation in the concern study area.
The study is descriptive in nature and is based on secondary data. Secondary data have been collected from the Block Statistical Hand book and District Statistical Handbook available in the District Statistics office. The Season and Crop report of the Department of Economics and Statistics are widely used for the purpose of the study.
The details pertaining to the years 2003-04 to 2013-14 is taken as period of study and the period of study was extended up 2014-15 particularly to Kalligudi block. Compound Annual Growth rate (CAGR) is used as a tool to predict the growth trend analysis of the millets.
The Kalligudi block of Madurai district is selected for the study. A Comparative analysis about the Block (Kalligudi), District (Madurai) and the State (Tamilnadu) were done in this study, to know the actual proportion of the minor millets cultivation at micro and Macro level. The Kalligudi block is a rain fed area in the Madurai District which mainly depend upon the rain water. This block has no perennial river or tank irrigation facilities According to the 2011 Census the population of the block is 73,413. The total geographical area of the block is 303.97sq.km. The block has 5208 cultivators and 19101 Agricultural Laborers. 33 percent of the total populations are depending on agriculture as cultivator or as labourers. The block has 73 village tanks and the total area of cultivation of the block during the year 2013-14 was around 8445 hectare among which 78 percent was un-irrigated. The minor millet cultivation was 2813 hectare which represents 33 percent in the total cultivated area, further the block contributes 18 percent of the district minor millet cultivation. The block has block cotton soil, which is
METHODOLOGY
Period of study and tools used
suitable for the cultivation of minor millets particularly the Varagu (Kodo millet) cultivation. The block contributes more than 50 percent of the Vargu cultivation area of the District. Apart from that the block has been selected by the State Planning Commission (SPC) for minor millets cultivation under State Balanced Growth Fund Scheme during the year 2014-15.So the block is taken purposively among the 13 blocks of the District.
1. To study the present scenario and the area of millet cultivation in micro and macro level, 2. To make an awareness on the needs for consumption of more millets through its uses, 3. To examine the causes for decreasing cultivation area of millets in the study area,
4 .To suggest the possible solutions to increase the millet cultivation area in the study area and
5. To study the improvement in the area of cultivation after the intervention of the State Planning Commission Tamilnadu.
The millet grains are well known for their superior quality, nutritional value and human health. When one looks at the traditional and earlier food habits in the country, it would be realized that one or the other small millets dominated in the past in almost every region. Small millets are more nutritious compared to fine cereals. Finger millet is the richest source of calcium (300-350 mg/100 g) and other small millets are good source of phosphorous and iron. The protein content ranges from 7 to 12% and fat content from 1 to 5.0% the millet protein has well balanced amino acid profile and good source of methionine, cystine and lycine .These essential amino acids are of special benefit to those who depend on plant food for their protein nourishment. The millet grain contains about 65% carbohydrate, a high proportion of which is in the form of non starchy polysaccharides and dietary fiber which help in prevention of constipation, lowering of blood cholesterol and slow release of glucose to the blood stream during digestion.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
Nutrient composition of millets
Table 1. Nutrient composition of millets compared to fine cereals (per 100 g) Food gain Carbo-hydrates (g) Protein (g) Fat (g) Energy (Kcal) Crude fibre (g) Mineral matter (g) Ca (mg) P (mg) Fe (mg) Finger millet 72.0 7.3 1.3 328 3.6 2.7 344 283 3.9 Kodo millet 65.9 8.3 1.4 309 9.0 2.6 27 188 0.5 Proso millet 70.4 12.5 1.1 341 2.2 1.9 14 206 0.8 Foxtail millet 60.9 12.3 4.3 331 8.0 3.3 31 290 2.8 Little millet 67.0 7.7 4.7 341 7.6 1.5 17 220 9.3 Barnyard millet 65.5 6.2 2.2 307 9.8 4.4 20 280 5.0 Sorghum 72.6 10.4 1.9 349 1.6 1.6 25 222 4.1 Bajra 67.5 11.6 5.0 361 1.2 2.3 42 296 8.0 Wheat (whole) 71.2 11.8 1.5 346 1.2 1.5 41 306 5.3 Rice (raw, milled) 78.2 6.8 0.5 345 0.2 0.6 10 160 0.7
(Source: Nutritive value of Indian foods, NIN, 2007)
(Source: Nutritive value of Indian foods, NIN, 2007)
(Source: Nutritive value of Indian foods, NIN, 2007; MILLET in your Meals, http://www.sahajasamrudha.org/)
Table 2. Essential Amino acid profile of Millets (mg/g of N)
Table 3. Vitamin profile of Millets Millet Argi nine Histi dine Lysine Trypto phan Phenyl Alanine Tyro sine Methi onine Cystine Threo nine Leu cine Isole ucine Valine Foxtail 220 130 140 60 420 - 180 100 190 1040 480 430 Proso 290 110 190 50 310 - 160 - 150 760 410 410 Finger 300 130 220 100 310 220 210 140 240 690 400 480 Little 250 120 110 60 330 - 180 90 190 760 370 350 Barnyard 270 120 150 50 430 - 180 110 200 650 360 410 Sorghum 240 160 150 70 300 180 100 90 210 880 270 340 Bajra 300 140 190 110 290 200 150 110 140 750 260 330 Rice 480 130 230 80 280 290 150 90 230 500 300 380 Wheat 290 130 170 70 280 180 90 140 180 410 220 280 Millet Thiamin (mg) Niacin (mg) Riboflavin Vit A (carotene) (mg/100g) Vit B6 (mg/100g) Folic Acid (mg/100g) Vit B5 (mg/100g) Vit E (mg/100g) Foxtail 0.59 3.2 0.11 32 - 15.0 0.82 31.0 Proso 0.41 4.5 0.28 0 - - 1.2 - Finger 0.42 1.1 0.19 42 - 18.3 - 22.0 Little 0.3 3.2 0.09 0 - 9.0 - - Barnyard 0.33 4.2 0.1 0 - - - - Kodo 0.15 2.0 0.09 0 - 23.1 - - Sorghum 0.38 4.3 0.15 47 0.21 20.0 1.25 12.0 Bajra 0.38 2.8 0.21 132 - 45.5 1.09 19.0 Rice 0.41 4.3 0.04 0 - 8.0 - - Wheat 0.41 5.1 0.1 64 0.57 36.6 - -
Table 4. Micronutrient Profile of Millets (mg/100g)
Table No:5
Minor Millets Cultivation Area in Tamilnadu 2003-04 to 2013-14
(Source: Nutritive value of Indian foods, NIN, 2007; MILLET in your Meals, http://www.sahajasamrudha.org/).
Source: Season and Crop Report, Department of Economics and Statistics, Chennai. *Value computed by the individual.
The area of cultivation of minor millets for 11 years starting from 2003-04 is analysed in the table 5. It was found that the overall area cultivation of all small millets are in decreasing trend. The
Millets Mg Na K Cu Mn Mb Zn Cr Su Cl Foxtail 81 4.6 250 1.40 0.60 0.070 2.4 0.030 171 37 Proso 153 8.2 113 1.60 0.60 - 1.4 0.020 157 19 Finger 137 11.0 408 0.47 5.49 0.102 2.3 0.028 160 44 Little 133 8.1 129 1.00 0.68 0.016 3.7 0.180 149 13 Barnyard 82 - - 0.60 0.96 - 3 0.090 - - Kodo 147 4.6 144 1.60 1.10 - 0.7 0.020 136 11 Sorghum 171 7.3 131 0.46 0.78 0.039 1.6 0.008 54 44 Bajra 137 10.9 307 1.06 1.15 0.069 3.1 0.023 147 39 Rice 90 - - 0.14 0.59 0.058 1.4 0.004 - - Wheat 138 17.1 284 0.68 2.29 0.051 2.7 0.012 128 47 Crops 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 CAGR* Cholam 40160 7 37673 9 31627 4 29437 6 28352 6 25887 6 23847 6 243465 19769 6 21089 3 34713 1 -21.9 Cumbu 15885 1 97608 81925 65512 59798 56672 54427 49482 46664 42928 54412 -7.57 Ragi 11843 9 10884 5 99549 95478 93701 90079 82335 75650 82805 70294 11869 9 -3.52 Thinai 2210 1626 1355 832 864 813 1074 863 689 798 1020 -2.24 Varaku 7748 8547 5871 11056 5546 4086 5930 8037 4156 3340 3570 -12.32 Sam ai 48126 33819 27577 24997 24229 21231 22293 17953 20378 17423 22348 -7.87 Kuthiraivallai 6606 6656 5564 8181 7725 5526 4059 5373 4959 4632 5250 -4.08 Total 74358 7 63384 0 53811 5 50043 2 47538 9 43728 3 40859 4 400823 35734 7 35030 8 55243 0 -2.7 Total cultivation
area of the State * 53160 27 58890 69 60327 18 58427 90 58151 74 58242 48 55717 10 575266 4 58896 72 53296 42 58974 72 0.95 Percentage of Minor Millets to total cultivation area of the State
Compound Annual Growth Rate (GAGR) for cholam has decreased to 21.9 percent during the study period. During the year 2011-12 the area of cultivation of cholam has reduced 50.0 percent comparing to the base year 2003-04 due to drought. The increased rainfall in the followings years has increased the area of cultivation but it has not reached the level of the base year. It is due to the increased cost of cultivation and the high cost involved in bringing the follow land in to cultivation. (Ploughing and clearing the land left follow during the previous year). The Cumbu cultivation area during the year 2013-14 reduced to 33 percent when comparing the base year 2003-04. The CAGR value of Ragi was also negative (-3.52). The cultivation area of Thinai has reduced to 50.0 percent during the year 2013-14, comparing the base year 2003-04. The CAGR for Thinai also negative (-2.24).
The cultivation area of varaku reduced to from 7748 hectare to 3570 during the year 2013-14. The CAGR value of this crop stands second place in the negative trend (-12.32). The cultivation area of samai was 48126 hectare during the year 2003-04 and it has reduced to 22,328 hectare during the year 2013-14. The CAGR value for samai was 7.87 negative which records that the area of cultivation of these crops are to be taken care in the future, otherwise these crops may be in shadow. The area of cultivation of kuthiraivali was increased from 6606 hectare in 2003-04 to 8181 hectare in 2006-07, but it has reduced to 5250 hectare during the year 201314. The CAGR for this crop was also negative by -2.7.The minor millets have contributed 14 percent of the total cultivation area of the state during the year 2003-04 and reduced to 9 percent during the year 2013-14. From the above analysis it is concluded that special care should be given to increase the area of cultivation of the minor millets in Tamilnadu. A special scheme is to be drawn to improve the awareness among the farmers for the cultivation of small millets which has much minerals and vitamins than the fast food items which are in use.
Table No:6 Minor Millets Cultivation area in Madurai District 2003-04 to 2013-14
Source: District Statistical Handbooks of Madurai District. *Value computed by the individual The table No. 6 explains the details about the area of cultivation of minor millets in Madurai District. The minor millets contribute 17.23 per cent of total area of cultivation during the base year 2003-04 and has decreased year by year and it was13.75 per cent during the year 2013-14. The CAGR value of Thinai has increased to 13.06. The cultivation area of cholam has increased slightly during the years 2005-06 to 2008-09, and in the remaining years it was in decreasing trend. During the year 2013-14 it has increased to 10491. The area of cultivation of cumbu was in increasing trend up to the year 2011-12 and it has decreased to 2310 during the year 2013-14. The CAGR for the cumbu was also on negative (-3.29) trend. The Ragi crop was in decreasing trend except the years 2005-06. The CAGR for this crop was -9.28. The varaku cultivation was also in increasing trend up to the year 2007-08 and it was slowly decreased and reached the level of 57 hectare during the year 2013-14. The CAGR for the crop stands first in the negative trend (-10.02) comparing other minor millets. The kuthuraivali crop area was increased from 3619 hectare are to 3938 hectare during the year 2007-08, after that the area has slowly decreased and the area was 2270 hectare during 2013-14. The CAGA for kuthuraivali was -4.15.
Crops 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 CAGR** Cholam 11319 10605 12056 10166 9784 12581 10036 9842 9558 6305 10491 -0.69 Cumbu 3338 5201 5716 5110 4875 5674 5453 5187 4049 1689 2310 -3.29 Ragi 178 122 307 164 145 63 51 51 71 12 61 -9.28 Thinai 7 2 7 4 17 12 65 141 68 2 27 13.06 Varaku 182 295 309 262 255 142 133 108 124 75 57 -10.02 Samai 38 38 8 8 0 1 0 1 23 0 0 -100 Kuthiraivallai 3619 3648 3043 3803 3938 2491 1657 1869 1959 1775 2270 -4.15 Total 18681 19911 21446 19517 19014 20964 17395 17199 15852 9858 15216 -1.85 Total area of cultivation of the District* 108434 147499 160808 153519 150983 150524 127525 137623 143325 86471 110675 0.19 Percentage of Minor Millets to total cultivation area of the district* 17.23 13.50 13.34 12.71 12.59 13.93 13.64 12.50 11.06 11.40 13.75 -2.03 Minor millets percentage to Tamilnadu area cultivation* 2.51 3.14 3.98 3.9 3.99 4.79 4.25 4.29 4.43 2.81 2.75 0.83
The overall analysis emphasis that the area of cultivation of minor millets in Madurai District was in decreasing trend except the Thinai. Even though the area of cultivation of this crops in Madurai district is in decreasing trend but its contribution to the state found increasing up to 2011-12 and it has reached 4.43 percent of the state cultivation during 2011-12.
Table No 7 Minor Millets Cultivation area in Kalligudi Block 2003-04 to 2014-15
Crops 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 CAGR* Cholam 1803 1894 2328 1908 2364 2409 1757 1749 1732 1576 2641 3305 5.17 Cumbu 28 85 161 199 142 132 57 23 39 19 19 5 -13.37 Ragi 20 21 20 9 7 9 4 5 11 3 6 3 -14.62 Thinai 0 0 0 2 0 11 0 110 62 0 0 0 0 Varaku 102 96 195 151 149 97 123 77 79 48 51 111 0.70 Samai 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Kuthiraivallai 385 295 520 938 532 261 169 118 123 110 96 157 -7.20 Total 2338 2392 3224 3210 3194 2919 2110 2083 2046 1756 2813 3581 3.61
Source: Block Statistical Handbooks of Madurai District. *Value computed by the individual
The table no.7 explains changes made in the small millets cultivation in Kalligudi block of Madurai district. It is interesting to note that the cholam cultivation is in increasing trend in the study area, where as it was found decreasing trend in both in the district as well as State level. The CAGR for cholam stands by 5.17 positive trend. This happens only due to the assured price to the cultivators by the poultry forms. The Cholam cultivated in this block is used as feed for poultry farms in Nammakkal and the soil of this area suits to the cultivation of the minor millets. Another important point to note that the block has contributed 12.51 percent of the District minor millets cultivation area during 2003-04, and it has increased year by year and reached 18.48 percent during the year 2013-14. The CAGR for the contribution of millets area cultivation of the block to the district stands 3.61 positively. This happens only because the cultivators in the other block prefers to cultivate commercial crops than minor millets. Analyzing the 11 years trend it was found that the cholam and kuthiraivali cultivation was in increasing trend than any other crops in the block. It was found that during the year 2014-15 the Government of Tamilnadu has implemented a special scheme (State Growth Balanced Fund) to improve the area of cultivation of minor millets particularly the Varugu and Kuthiravali. Under the scheme 300 farmers from seven villages of Kalligudi block were selected and they were given training for cultivation of minor millets and 1500 kgs of seeds from Agricultural University were given to them. Apart from that the scheme has covered manure, pesticides and also machinery to gull the seed from the Varugu which has helped the farmers to sell their product as value added. The special efforts made by the Government has doubled the area of cultivation Varagu and Kuthiraivali during the year 2014-15. Total Block Cultivation area 10780 11463 13874 13538 11945 10604 8159 8625 8558 6792 8445 9278 -1.24 Percentage of Minor millets area to total cultivation 21.69 20.87 23.24 23.71 26.74 27.53 25.86 24.15 23.91 25.85 33.31 38.59 4.85 Minor millets area in the District 18681 19911 21446 19517 19014 20964 17395 17199 15832 9858 15216 21056 1.00 Percentage of Minor millets area to total minor millets cultivation of the District 12.51 12.01 15.05 16.44 16.44 13.92 12.12 14.69 12.92 17.81 18.48 17.00 2.58
Table No .8 Minor Millets Yield in Tamilnadu 2003-04 to 2013-14
Decline in area of minor millets in India
(per hectare in Kgs)
Source: Season and Crop Report, Department of Economics and Statistics, Chennai.
The Eleven years analysis shows that even the area of cultivation of minor millets are reduced drastically the productivity is increased tremendously in Tamilnadu. The per hectare yield in cholam was 612 kgs and has doubled during the study period and reached 1479 kgs per hectare. The Cumbu yield per hectare was also doubled during the study period. The Ragi production recorded the same growth rate. The Thinai yield per hectare decreased year by year and it was 467 kg per hectare during the year 14. The Varagu yield increased from 1225 kg per hectare to 1734 during the year 14. The samai yield per hectare has increased from 578 kg to 1139 kg per hectare during the year 2013-14.
From the above analysis it is very clear that the yield per hectare has doubled in all crops except Thinai. This has happened due to latest farm management practices carried out by the farmers.
In spite of the extraordinary nutritional qualities of millet grains and capacities of millet farming
Crops 2003 -04 2004 -05 2005 -06 2006 -07 2007 -08 2008 -09 2009 -10 2010 -11 2011 -12 2012 -13 2013 -14 Cho la m 612 669 732 999 874 824 931 1014 1277 830 1479 Cumb u 1085 1273 1157 1511 1436 1483 1519 1564 2453 1316 2158 Ragi 1489 1416 1325 1522 1878 1887 1955 2262 2716 1963 3053 Thinai 494 488 491 617 469 506 481 453 478 471 467 Varak u 1225 1275 1132 2774 1469 1390 1485 1610 2012 1351 1734 Samai 578 824 711 1030 1002 777 883 961 1230 1095 1139
systems, the area under millet production has been shrinking over the last five decades. The period between 1961 and 2009 saw a dramatic decrease in cultivated area under millets. The area under all small millets other than finger millet has declined drastically in all states and the total production of small millets has declined by 76%. The productivity has remained more or less stagnant in the last two decades. The decline in minor millets in India can be attributed to many factors; agronomic, economic, and social. The Green Revolution of the 1970s saw government promotion of rice and wheat push minor millets into ever more marginal areas. In those areas, millets have come to be regarded as crops of the poor, which they are, and thus to be avoided, an unfortunate consequence. Policy-makers have contributed to this lack of status by keeping millets largely out of the scope of both official research and development and price support agreements. Continuing neglect then hastens the loss of genetic diversity and traditional knowledge about the production, processing, and use of millets. Production is inefficient as a result of the lack of suitable higher-yielding varieties, poor quality seed, and unimproved cultivation practices. Traditional processing methods condemn the women who prepare millets to considerable daily drudgery. In addition, there is a lack of attractive recipes for adding value, a lack of awareness of the nutritional value of millets, poorly organized integration with markets, and generally unfavorable environmental policy.
• In the micro level the area under small millets in Kalligudi block is declined year by year, contrast to that the contribution of this block to the district is in increasing trend. It is worthy to note that there is a possibility to improve the area of cultivation of this crop in this block.
• It is very interesting to note that, though the area of cultivation of minor millets Madurai district is in decreasing trend but its contribution to the state found increasing and it has reached 4.43 percent of the state cultivation during 2011-12.
• It is very important to note that the area at the block, district as well as state level is decreasing but the productivity of these millets in the state level is in increasing trend due to adaption of new technologies and water management.
• The minor millets have contributed 14.0 percent of the total cultivation area of the state during the year 2003-04 and reduced to 9.0 percent during the year 2013-14.
• It was found that during the year 2014-15 the Government of Tamilnadu has implemented a special scheme (State Growth Balanced Fund) to improve the area of cultivation of minor millets particularly the Varugu and Kuthiravali and to give value addition to the products of farmers. The scheme has covered seed, manure, pesticides and also machinery to gull the seed from the Varugu. The special scheme designed for improving the Varagu cultivation in kalligudi block has doubled the area of cultivation of Varugu during 2014-15 (111 hectare).
Reasons for decline in area of millets and Suggestions to improve the millets cultivation
• The mixed cropping practices adopted by the farmers are mostly suited to sustenance agriculture and many of them are not remunerative.
• They are often cultivated under unmanured and unfertilized conditions. Non adoption of improved varieties and timely agricultural operations like tillage, sowing, weeding and inter-culturing has resulted in reduced returns. Improved crop management practices are not adopted by the farmers due to socio-economic constraints.
• There is no organized programme for production and supply of seeds of improved varieties. There is no ready market for the disposal of surplus produce at a remunerative price. There is lack of extension
and development support.
• As millets and small millets are predominantly grown by poor farmers, the fluctuations in production not only bring hardship to farmers but also create instability in the total coarse cereal production. • Developmental effort should be made through mini kit demonstrations and State Level Training Programmes. These would help in popularizing the newly released varieties among the farmers in replacing the low yielding local varieties.
• The improved seed either should be supplied free or subsidized by the Government. The role of non-monetary inputs such as line sowing, optimum row spacing, depth of seeding, optimum plant population per unit area, timely cultural practices for higher productivity should be explained and demonstrated to the farmers right in the field.
• Agronomic research should bring out efficient low-cost technology which is within the means of farmers and easy to adopt.
• Increased use of small millets in various ready-to-eat food products should be encouraged as it enhances their value and market price.
• Government should include the millets into public food systems of India: Millets need to be integrated into the existing Public Distribution System (PDS). Also introduce millet meals in the ICDS, school mid day meals, welfare hostels and such other schemes of the government.
• Recognize millets as Climate Change Compliant Crops and promote their cultivation and consumption, for the ecological role they have played dry land farmers need to be recognized and granted monetary bonuses for biodiversity, water conservation and sustaining solutions against climate change.
• Investment on millet lands which apart from creating permanent investment for the poor can also create at half the cost of NREGA, double the employment days. Convert cultivable fallows into millet farms by giving more incentives for cultivation of millets in the dry lands and rain-fed areas.
• The government works determinedly and helps the farmers to cultivate these lands and farm millets, the country will be able to produce more millets and more fodder that can feed millions of cattle.
• A massive educational and promotional programme on millets and the government must use its media campaign funds to take up millet promotion.
There is an urgent need to popularize the usage of minor millets among the people due to its nutritious value. The government takes necessary action to make awareness about the millets it will reach the public. The intervention made by the planning Commission of Tamilnadu has made tremendous changes in the area of cultivation of small millets.
1). S. K. Nag, A. Pradhan, S.Patel, N.K.Mishra , S.C.Mukherjee and Rahul Sahu “Popularization of small millets based food products in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh” American International Journal of Research in Formal, Applied & Natural Sciences , Available online at http://www.iasir.net.
2). Dr.P. Stanly Joseph Michaelraj, A. Shanmugam “A Study on Millets Cultivation in Karur District of Tamilnadu” International journal of Management Research and Review, Jan 2013, Volume 3,Issue 1.Pp 2167-2179.
3) Steven A. Weber and Dorian Q Fuller “Millets and Their Role in Early Agriculture” paper presented at ‘First Farmers in Global Perspective,’ seminar of Uttar Pradesh State Department of Archaeology,
CONCLUSION
Lucknow, India, 18-20 January 2006.
4) Stefano Padulosi , Bhag Mal, Oliver I. King and Elisabetta Gotor “Minor Millets as a Central Element for Sustainably Enhanced Incomes, Empowerment, and Nutrition in Rural India” Sustainability 2015.Pp 8904-8933.
5) S.Kishnan “Globalisation and changes in Land Utilisation and cropping Pattern- A Micro Analyse of Madurai District, Tamilnadu” Journal of Radix International Educational and Research Consortium (RIJS) Volume 1, Issue 8 (Aug. 2012) www.rierc.org.
6) Block Statistical Handbooks of Kalligudi Block 2003-04 to 2014-15. 7) District Statistical Handbooks of Madurai District 2003-04 to 2013-14.
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