To reduce the use of harmful chemicals, the younger generation of farmers in Punjab is looking at sustainable alternative crops such as millet to ensure crop diversity and tackle nutritional security.
Growing only one type of plant or crop at a time in a farming system is known as monocropping culture. Due to the widespread use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides in Punjab, monocropping is a very common practise that has a negative impact on the soil’s fertility and lowers the water table.
Wheat and paddy constitute more than 80% of the crops grown. Growing the same crop, such as wheat and paddy, every year increases the crop’s vulnerability to pest infestations and diseases. And unlike pulses and legumes, neither wheat nor paddy, make the soil absorb nitrogen or any other important mineral.
Wheat and paddy constitute more than 80% of the crops grown. Growing the same crop, such as wheat and paddy, every year increases the crop’s vulnerability to pest infestations and diseases. And unlike pulses and legumes, neither wheat nor paddy, make the soil absorb nitrogen or any other important mineral.
Millets were still widely consumed in the 1970s. The most widely consumed six millet varieties are Kodra, Swank, Kangni, Kutki, Ragi, Bajra, and Jowar. These millets were a regular part of the diet and were grown according to the land’s suitability for each type of millet in each region. These grains’ only drawback was that they were a little coarse, which caused them to gradually lose their place on a daily plate with more western influences.
Benefits of millet on our health and to the environment
The nutritious qualities of millets are unmatched, in addition to the crop’s resilience to climate change and the lack of need for dangerous pesticides during growing. The grain is excellent for enhancing the function of the digestive system because it is high in both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre.
The grain has a low glycemic index because it is rich in complex carbohydrates, which lowers blood sugar levels and makes diabetes management simpler. The grains contain high levels of potassium, which helps maintain a healthy heart and kidneys, as well as excellent sources of vitamins A and B. Niacin, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin and organ functions, is another vital component of millets.
Paramjit Singh Pannu and the “Punjab Native Seed Growers”
A progressive farmer from the Ludhiana district named Paramjit Singh Pannu recognised the benefits of millets for human health and the potential of growing them. He attended the Punjab Agricultural University and enrolled in short-term courses offered by Krishi Vigyan Kendra and Samrala on subjects like beekeeping, organic farming, mushroom cultivation, and seed production after realising that growing millets is a niche market.
He started growing ragi on his land along with other crops like sugarcane, turmeric, and other crops in a multi-cropping system. Paramjit Pannu used his aptitude for research to diversify his operation and started baking cookies from the grains he grew in a small bakery established on his farm and started to sell them in nearby cities.
Pannu also wanted to increase the economic and commercial viability of farming for small-scale farmers. He now gives seeds to farmers and buys ragi from the same farmers to make flour, dalia, and cookies. Additionally, he inspired other farmers to organise and form the “Punjab Native Seed Growers” group.
He is also part of a Farmer Producer Organization “Nirbhay Fed” under which efforts are underway to involve more farmers to move from mono-cropping pattern of rice-wheat towards a multi-cropping pattern which is more sustainable for mother earth and climate-resilient.
His success motivated other farmers to grow millets and he even gives them a buy-back guarantee if the farmers follow his advised practices to grow organic produce. This handholding helps the farmers to take risks and slowly, a few farmers have started joining hands with him to cultivate organic produce and prepare millet-based products.
Even though the millet crop covers a little less than a thousand-hectare of land in the state of Punjab today, the growing demand for adopting it as a supplementary crop is increasing because of the tireless efforts of people like Paramjit Singh Pannu. Millets are widely considered one of the healthiest grains in the world. So, its cultivation needs to be revived by some consistent efforts. The need is to promote the diversity, nutritional and ecological benefits of millets to consumers, producers, and decision-makers and improve food sector linkages.
