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Historically, millets have been integral to diets, offering not only a plethora of health benefits but also contributing to environmental conservation through low water and input requirements. The International Year of Millets, declared by the United Nations for 2023 at the initiative of the Government of India, aims to raise awareness, increase production, and promote consumption of millets. This research explores the awareness and consumption of millets among the farmers of the Marathwada region. The study revealed that Great Millet and Pearl Millet garnered high awareness, while Little Millet, Proso Millet, and Kodo Millet exhibited lower awareness among the respondents. The data also showcased varying awareness of millet nutritional content, with 44.12 per cent having a medium overall awareness. Consumption behaviours unveiled diverse frequency patterns for different millets, with 40.91 per cent at a medium overall consumption level. Consumption patterns of the respondents depicted preferences for staple millet-based items. Reasons for consumption/non-consumption highlighted taste and health as major motivators. Respondents suggested measures like training programs, online resources, and awareness campaigns to boost millet usage. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between awareness, consumption patterns, and influencing factors, offering valuable insights for stakeholders aiming to promote millet adoption within communities.
Mani et al. (Wed,) studied this question.