Page 62 - Mann Ki Baat English

and characterised by a low ghee are not mere comforts; they
Glycaemic Index, they support are protective shields against
digestion, metabolic health, and the season. Modern nutrition
heart function, addressing both knowledge is now affirming what
malnutrition and lifestyle diseases tradition always knew.
such as Type-2 diabetes and Linking farm, plate, and
obesity. Being naturally gluten- fitness
free, they offer an essential The millet movement is
alternative for those with celiac yielding tangible gains for
disease or gluten intolerance. farmers, markets, and nutrition
Traditional food wisdom systems. Crop diversification into
has long understood the need millets reduces production risk
for warming, energy sustaining in an era of climate uncertainty.
foods during winter. Several Region specific improved
millets, particularly pearl millet varieties, scientific cultivation
(bajra), are thermogenic, practices, and extension services
generating heat during digestion have raised productivity without
and supporting the body’s eroding indigenous knowledge.
natural metabolic adjustments Stronger market linkages and
in colder months. It is no value addition have improved
coincidence, then, that bajra, price realisation at the farm gate.
jowar, ragi, and small millets have Because millets are drought
anchored winter kitchens across tolerant and have a short growing
the country. ‘Bajre ka raab’ with cycle, they offer reliable harvests
ghee and jaggery, Ragi laddoos, even with erratic monsoons.
or ‘Bajra khichdi’ enriched with Requiring fewer expensive inputs

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