Posted On : January 17, 2023
Are Millets also important for environment and climate change?
Millets
Are Millets also important for environment and climate change?
Grains can be a game changer for your body, that much we have understood by going through this booklet, however, do they also shift the ball when it comes to environment and climate change, let’s take a look at that also!
Millets are known for its climate-resilient features which includes adaptation to a wide range of ecological conditions, less irrigational requirements which means less water and better growth & productivity in low nutrient input conditions. They also need less reliance on synthetic fertilizers, and minimum vulnerability to environmental stresses and that is the sole reason why Millets are said to be less adulterated than any other ancient golden grain. No fertilisers in their growth process directly transforms to an organically engineered natural product which is consumed in its very raw form.
Secondly, Millets can be counter reactive to many of the adverse effects of climate change as compared to most of the other food crops, we know of. They grow in almost any type of soil – sandy or with varying levels of acidity. They hardly need any fertilisers or irrigation. This is technically the most stubborn crop, it doesn’t need a certain nature or a soul, it grows at it grows. Que sera sera – the crop is what it is. It will grow eventually!!
And Lastly, being the hardy crops, they can withstand extreme temperatures, floods and droughts. Millets convert more carbon dioxide to oxygen, contributing in mitigating climate change through their low carbon footprint of 3-kilogram equivalent of carbon dioxide per hectare, as compared to wheat and rice, with 4kg and 3 kg, respectively, on the same measure. Thus, millets can help to phase out climatic uncertainties, reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide, and contribute in mitigating the climate change.
