A critical review of Millets with special reference to Ayurveda

Abstract

Millets are a traditional staple food of the dry land regions of the world. In India, millets are grown on about 17 million hectares with annual production of 18 million tones and it contributes 10 percent to the country’s food grain basket. In a visionary move the government of India proposed to united nation to designed 2023 as the international year of millets as 72 countries rallied behind the passes the UN general assembly recognized 2023 as the year to celebrate this humble grains. The available cultivable plant‐based food resources in developing tropical countries are inadequate to supply proteins for both human and animals. Millets are an important food crop at a global level with a significant economic impact on developing countries, Millets are considered as high‐energy yielding nourishing foods which help in addressing malnutrition. Grains of these millet species are widely consumed as a source of traditional medicines and important food to preserve health. Choosing millets as part of diet is a small step with a big impact these grain often overlooked contribute to personal health and environmental sustainability. Rich in nutrients, gluten-free and resilient in diverse climates, millets offer a sustainable alternative that can make a significant difference in both individual well-being and global food systems.