In a country like India, where malnutrition, food insecurity, and lifestyle diseases coexist, millets, often termed “Nutri-cereals,” offer a powerful solution as they are not only nutritionally superior but also climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable. 

Role of millets in ensuring health security:

1. Diabetes Management:  The inclusion of FoxTail millet in the diet can improve glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
2. Cholesterol Management: Millets can help reduce levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease which is currently responsible for 28% of all the deaths in India..
3. Promotes Gut Health:  The high fiber content in millets acts as a probiotic thereby preventing gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
4. Bone Health Management: Finger millet (ragi) is particularly rich in calcium whose adequate intake helps prevent osteoporosis and promotes overall skeletal health.
5. Celiac Disease Management:  Millets are naturally gluten-free, making them an excellent choice for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Role of millets in ensuring nutritional security:

1. Combat malnutrition through high nutrient density  – High Protein Content of about 10-15% protein, making them one of the richest sources of plant-based protein among cereals.
2. Alleviating hidden hunger: According to the World Health Organisation, nearly 30% of Indian women (15-49 years of age) suffer from iron deficiency anemia. Sorghum (jowar) which is rich in iron can help in combating anemia.
3. Addressing Vitamins and Minerals deficiency: Millets are a rich source of several B vitamins, including niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2), and folate (B9), which are crucial for energy metabolism and maintaining healthy skin, hair, and eyes.
4. Enhance dietary diversity: Offering an alternative to wheat and rice thereby improving upon agricultural and environmental sustainability as well.
5. Sustaining Small Farmers: Millets are a crucial crop for over 60% of small and marginal farmers in India, offering a reliable food source and livelihood in arid regions​

Government initiatives for promoting millets:

1. National Year of Millets 2018:  to revive traditional millet farming and raise awareness.
2. Renaming Millets as “Nutri-Cereals” and “Shree Anna”: to emphasize their high nutritional content.
3. State Specific Initiatives: E.g. Karnataka’s Raitha Siri Scheme aims at providing financial incentives to farmers for growing millets.
4. Millet-Based Products in Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Odisha has introduced millet-based recipes in school meals to provide better nutrition to children.

By focusing on both the demand and supply sides, India can significantly boost millet production, ensuring that millets become a staple in the Indian diet and a valuable export commodity.