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Resource centre on India's rural distress
 
 

Why Millets in mid-day meal can be a political hot topic -Romita Datta

-IndiaToday.com

In several states like Bengal, Assam and Odisha, rice is the staple diet

On October 28, the Centre proposed millets be introduced in mid-day meals to tackle the growing problem of malnutrition among school students. Though in the past, some of the non-BJP ruled states, like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, tried to be innovative with the menu, introducing eggs once or twice a week as protein substitutes to fish and meat, it met with local resistance and ultimately scrapped. Milk and soybean were also thought of as replacements by the vegetarian politicians, but sustainability was a big question. As the Centre kept toying with the options, the Global Hunger Index placed India on 94th spot among 107 countries. It was also observed that malnutrition among children and mothers accounted for 15 per cent of the country's total disease burden.

Millet as cereal and, above all, a vegetarian option was widely accepted because it was considered to be a mineral-rich food with all the goodness of fibre. Moreover, since it hydrates the colon, it prevents constipation in children and is considered healthy for the gut. Millets are high in protein and nutritionists believe introducing millets in children's diet will help in muscle growth. Since it has smart carbohydrates and a low glycaemic index, lower than wheat and rice, the risk of obesity is reduced in children. Rich in vitamin B complex, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and zinc, millets are being thought of as worthy substitutes to eggs. Besides being alkaline in nature, they are easily digestible for infants.

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