Can Bajra, the Super-Food, Enhance Pakistan’s Food Security Amid Climate Challenges?
Published on: November 13, 2023.
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Title: Pearl Millet: A Climate-Resilient Solution to Pakistan’s Impending Food Security Challenges
Introduction
As Pakistan grapples with the aftermath of extreme climate change events, such as floods, concerns about food security have come to the forefront. While higher yields for major crops are expected due to excessive rains, it’s crucial for climate-stressed regions to explore alternative crops to ensure nutritional needs are met. Pearl Millet (bajra) emerges as a climate-resistant ‘super-food’ that can augment the nutritional needs in these areas and combat inflation. Let’s delve into the potential of Pearl Millet and its role in addressing food security challenges.
The Importance of Pearl Millet
Pearl Millet and Sorghum have been grown in Pakistan’s southeastern regions for centuries. These crops have adapted naturally to the local ecology and climate, making them an ideal choice for ensuring food security. The popular “bajra ki roti” and “jowar ki roti” reflect the integral role of these crops in local cuisine.
Recognizing its significance, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) declared 2023 as the International Year of Millet (IYM 2023). This designation aims to highlight the potential of Millet in addressing global food security issues amidst a growing population and increasing demand for nutritious foods.
Benefits of Millet for Food Security
Millet exhibits resilience to harsh climates, making it a promising solution for food scarcity. These nutrient-rich whole grains are packed with antioxidants, minerals, protein, and various fibers to cater to specific dietary needs. Additionally, Millet is gluten-free and demonstrates resistance to drought, crop diseases, and pests.
Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals
The FAO’s declaration of the Year of Millet aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development. Millet contributes to several SDGs, including zero hunger, good health and well-being, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and life on land.
Enhancing Global Food Systems
Despite its numerous benefits, Millet accounts for less than three percent of the global grain trade. Greater cultivation and inclusion of Millet in global trade can create a diversified food system capable of withstanding shocks caused by conflicts or climate change events, as experienced in Ukraine and Pakistan.
Meeting Growing Food Demand
With the world’s population projected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, there is a pressing need for high-nutritional food products. Millet emerges as a valuable crop for meeting these demands, alongside staples like wheat and rice.
Current Scenario in Pakistan
Pakistan produces around 350 metric tonnes of Millet annually, accounting for only one percent of global production. The majority of Millet cultivation (91%) takes place in Punjab, while Sindh contributes seven percent. Neighboring India leads global Millet production, accounting for 42% of the total.
Challenges in Millet Production
Pakistan has faced challenges in boosting Millet production. Recent data shows a decreasing trend in Millet production, as it is being relegated to fodder, poultry feed, and livestock purposes. Factors contributing to low yields include unstandardized cultivation practices, improper seed-sowing timing, unpredictable weather patterns, competition from other crops, irrigation challenges, and limited availability of high-yield seeds.
Overcoming Production Challenges
To increase Millet yields, farmers need access to high-yield seeds. However, these seeds are more expensive and less readily available than traditional ones. The government should intervene by providing high-yield seeds at lower rates, ensuring farmers can afford them. Awareness programs can also educate farmers about the benefits of Millet and promote its cultivation.
Millet as a Climate-Resilient Alternative to Wheat
Climate change poses a threat to wheat cultivation in southeastern regions of Pakistan. Studies predict increasing heat stress in cereal crops, making areas like Thatta, Badin, Umerkot, Hyderabad, and Sanghar unsuitable for wheat production. Pearl Millet, with its resilience to arid and drought-prone regions, offers a climate-adaptive and dietary-acceptable alternative. Its cultivation in water-scarce areas like the Thar and Kachho Deserts can safeguard food security.
Utilizing Suitable Areas for Millet Cultivation
Experts suggest that the Thar Desert has the potential to cultivate Millet on a large scale. With around 100,000 acres of suitable land and sweet groundwater, the Thar Desert can become a hub for Millet cultivation. However, changing climate patterns pose challenges to Millet production, making it essential to explore virgin areas and enhance awareness about Millet among growers.
Promoting a Dietary Shift
To ensure successful implementation of Millet cultivation, the government should emphasize a dietary shift among the public. Promoting the use of Millet flour alongside wheat flour can help reduce the consumption of wheat while incorporating the nutritional benefits of Millet.
Conclusion
Pearl Millet holds immense potential as a climate-resilient crop to address Pakistan’s food security challenges. By focusing on its cultivation and promotion, Pakistan can enhance its agricultural practices, mitigate the effects of climate change, and secure a sustainable future. Embracing Millet can lead to a diversified food system and safeguard nutritional needs for a growing population.
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