Exploring the Consumption Pattern of Millets among Rural Women of Udham Singh Nagar District of Uttarakhand, India

The cultural traditions and customs of the rural communities are profoundly ingrained with the production and diverse uses as well as benefits of millets. The production of millets follows the principle of minimum input and maximum output and known as poor men’s food. Therefore, present study was conceptualized with main objective to know the consumption pattern and knowledge related to millet among rural women. Hence, in-person interviews were conducted among 120 rural women of Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. Majority of rural women (48%) were young (< 27 years of age), educated and had nuclear family (68%). They reported that Ragi (32%), Bajra (25%), Jowar (22%), Chaulai (16%) and Jhangora (5%) were highly consumed millets among them. Majority preferred to make chapatti of millet flour and that to only during winter season. They also liked to eat millets as whole grain (81.9%) and in puffed form (20.48%). Further, study revealed that more than half percent had poor knowledge about environmental benefits and consumption benefits of millets. The study suggested that more small steps should be taken to disseminate accurate knowledge and conduct demonstration sessions in communities to promote the millet consumption and production as well.