Grains of change – Analyzing consumption pattern of millets among rural population: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Millets, with their exceptional nutritional value, nonglutinous nature, and digestive ease, offer a wealth of benefits. They are rich in lecithin and known to fortify the nervous system. While millets such as jowar are dietary staples in rural India, they have often been relegated to animal feed and birdseed elsewhere. Despite India’s deep-rooted millet tradition, the consumption of pearl millet (bajra) declined by 67% in urban and 59% in rural areas between 1972–1973 and 2004–2005. Recognizing their potential, the Indian Government proposed the declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets to the UN. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to assess the consumption pattern of millets among the rural population and its association with the sociodemographic profile. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was done among rural households residing in the field practice area of the Rural Health Training Centre, Ukkali, Department of Community Medicine, BLDE (DU). By convenient sampling, we obtained a sample size of 94. Data were collected from the individuals, using a semistructured questionnaire, which encompassed both sociodemographic information and details regarding their consumption habits. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 26, is developed and manufactured by IBM Corporation, headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States. RESULTS: In this study, a total of 94 participants were included. Out of these, 61 (64.9%) were male and 33 (35.1%) were female. The majority of participants, 74 individuals (79%), reported that they consumed millets as part of their diet, whereas a minority, 20 individuals (21%), did not include millets in their diet. CONCLUSION: This consumption rate can be attributed to Karnataka’s status as the second-largest producer of millets, reflecting a strong connection between local production and consumption patterns. It emphasizes the importance of promoting millets as a staple food source not only for their nutritional benefits but also for their potential economic and agricultural advantages among urban population.

Keywords

• consumption
• millets
• rural population