Assessment of Millets Awareness, Cultivation, and Consumption Pattern in Northwestern Himalaya: A Case Study from Jammu and Kashmir, India

Abstract

The Northwestern Himalayan (NWH) region, including the mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), are characterized by fragile soils, remote locations, poor socio-economic conditions, and fewer livelihood opportunities. Millets have tremendous potential to address these challenges. This study was conducted in the Jammu, and Kishtwar districts of the NWH to assess millet awareness, cultivation, consumption, and associated traditional knowledge. The primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire. The results showed that all the respondents could identify at least one of ten common millets, though the type of millet identified, cultivated, and consumed differed across the two agro-climatic zones. Over the past 20–30 years, a decline in millet cultivation was reported mainly due to climate change, availability of refined cereals through the Public Distribution System (PDS), and land diversion to other cash crops. Despite the decline, 98.46% of respondents reported consuming at least one millet mainly for cultural reasons, while "less preference by children" and "availability of rice through PDS" were responsible for lower consumption. The Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) as per FAO was evaluated and a score of 7.86 was obtained. It was observed that only 7.69% of respondents were aware of the International Year of Millets-2023. Policy interventions targeting millet processing and value-addition can enhance their cultivation, uplift the livelihood of marginalized rural populations, and ensure food and nutritional security. The study findings can contribute towards the State Millet Mission plan for the Union Territory.