5 Indian Innovators Transforming Millets for Farmers and Health

In 2023, the world is celebrating the International Year of Millets, and India, as the leading producer of these sustainable grains, is taking center stage in promoting them. Millets are known as a superfood rich in protein and packed with essential nutrients, offering numerous benefits to both farmers and consumers. What sets millets apart is their ability to thrive in harsh growing conditions, making them climate-resilient and requiring significantly less water than traditional grains like rice and wheat. Millets provide antioxidants, minerals, fiber, iron, and protein, are gluten-free, and have a low glycemic index. They are also economically advantageous for farmers, as they demand less water and fewer pesticides, particularly benefiting small-scale agricultural producers.

Traditionally, millets have been a staple food grain in India, but they had been marginalized over the years. However, the focus is now shifting back towards incorporating millets into diets, and more farmers are returning to their cultivation.

This resurgence is being spearheaded by innovative Indians who are reintroducing millets in exciting ways, benefiting thousands of farmers in the process. Here are five such innovators:

1. Veer Shetty Biradar: Known as the “Millet Man of Telangana,” Veer Shetty Biradar is transforming his dry and irrigated land into a hub for various millet products. He offers 60 value-added millet items, including snacks, sweets, and rotis. He also provides quality seeds to over 1,000 farmers through his NGO.
2. Chittem Sudheer: After observing tribal farmers cultivating millets, Chittem Sudheer started Vasena Poli, a millet idli stall, to create awareness and support these farmers. He purchases millets from tribal farmers at fair prices, ensuring their livelihoods.
3. Sharmila Jain Oswal: Founder of the Green Energy Foundation, Sharmila is helping farmers implement smart farming practices, including growing water-efficient millets. She co-founded ‘Gud Mom,’ which sells millet-based products, nurturing more than 1.5 lakh farmers across five states.
4. Raju Bhupati: Founder and CEO of Troo Good, Raju is making affordable millet snacks, including chikkis, to combat malnutrition. The company, based in Hyderabad, is on track to achieve a revenue of Rs 100 crore this year and collaborates with state governments on various welfare initiatives.
5. Saandeep Jogiparti and Kavitha Gopu: These entrepreneurs returned from the US to launch Laddu Box, which offers innovative millet-based laddus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The betterindia