Millets, a group of small-seeded grasses, have been a staple in various parts of the world for thousands of years. Known for their resilience to harsh climatic conditions and low water requirements, millets are not only sustainable crops but also rich sources of nutrients. They offer a multitude of health benefits, including high fiber content, essential minerals and vitamins, making them an excellent choice for promoting nutritional security. Despite these advantages, the consumption of millets has significantly declined in recent decades, overshadowed by the dominance of more commercially promoted grains such as wheat and rice [1-3].

The resurgence of interest in millets is timely, given the pressing global challenges of food security, climate change and increasing health issues related to lifestyle and diet. The United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets, aiming to raise awareness about the benefits of these ancient grains and to promote their cultivation and consumption. This initiative underscores the importance of millets in achieving sustainable development goals, including zero hunger and improved health and well-being [4-6].

In India, millets have traditionally been part of the diet in various regions, especially in semi-arid and arid zones. Himachal Pradesh, with its diverse agro-climatic conditions, offers a unique landscape for the cultivation of different millet varieties. However, the shift towards cash crops and more market-oriented agriculture has led to a decline in millet cultivation and consumption. The District of Kangra, known for its rich agricultural heritage, is no exception. Understanding the current status of millet consumption and the awareness levels among the general public in this district is crucial for developing targeted interventions to revive millet-based agriculture and dietary practices.

Previous studies have highlighted the nutritional superiority of millets and their potential to address issues of malnutrition and food insecurity [4-7]. However, there is a notable gap in research focusing on the awareness and consumption patterns of millets at the community level, particularly in Himachal Pradesh. Such studies are essential for identifying barriers to millet consumption and for crafting effective strategies to promote these nutrient-dense grains.

The present study aims to bridge this gap by evaluating the awareness and consumption patterns of millets among the residents of Kangra District. By understanding the public's perceptions, attitudes and behaviors towards millets, this research seeks to provide insights that can inform policy decisions and educational campaigns. The ultimate goal is to foster a supportive environment for millet cultivation and consumption, contributing to sustainable agriculture, improved public health and resilient food systems in the region.

Objectives of the Study

The primary objective is to assess the awareness and consumption patterns of millets among the general public of District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.

Research Design

This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design to assess the awareness and consumption patterns of millets among the general public in District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.

Study Area

The study was conducted in Kangra District, located in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Kangra is characterized by diverse agro-climatic conditions, making it a suitable region for the cultivation of various millet varieties.

Study Duration

The data collection for this study took place between January 2024 and March 2024.

Study Population

The target population for this study included all adults aged 18 and above who had been residents of District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, for a minimum of 12 months.

Sample Size

A sample size of 400 adults was determined using a 95% confidence level, an estimated awareness level of 50% regarding millet consumption, a 5% absolute error margin and a 5% non-response rate.

Sampling Method

Participants were selected using a stratified random sampling method to ensure representation from both urban and rural areas within the district.

Data Collection Tool

A structured questionnaire was developed and administered via Google Forms. The questionnaire was pre-tested on a small sample to ensure clarity and appropriateness of the questions. It consisted of two main sections:

• Demographic Data Survey Instrument: This section collected information on participants’ background, including age, gender, marital status, religion, employment, education level and area of residence (urban or rural)

• Millet Awareness and Consumption Questionnaire:This section contained structured questions designed to assess participants' awareness and consumption patterns of millets. The questions covered areas such as types of millets known, frequency of consumption, sources of information about millets, perceived benefits and barriers to millet consumption. Scoring was done based on correct answers to awareness questions, with one mark given for each correct answer

Validity of the Tool

The validity of the questionnaire was established by a panel of experts in the field of nutrition, agriculture and public health. Their feedback was incorporated to refine the questionnaire.

Data Collection Procedure

The questionnaire was disseminated through online modes, including email and social media platforms such as WhatsApp groups, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. The data collection process was supervised to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the responses.

Data Analysis

Collected data were entered into Microsoft Excel and cleaned for errors. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info V7 Software. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were calculated to summarize the demographic characteristics and responses to the questionnaire. Chi-square tests were used to determine the associations between demographic variables and levels of awareness and consumption patterns of millets.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the relevant institutional ethics committee. Informed consent was obtained from all participants before data collection. Confidentiality and anonymity of the participants were maintained throughout the study.

The study involved 400 participants from District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. The socio-demographic data, awareness and consumption patterns of millets among the participants are summarized and explained below.

Socio-Demographic Characteristics

Table 1 presents the socio-demographic variables of the study population. The age distribution shows a balanced representation with 20.8% of participants aged 18-25 years, 23.8% aged 26-35 years, 22.3% aged 36-45 years, 20.3% aged 46-55 years and 13.0% aged 56 years and above. Gender distribution was relatively balanced, with 52.8% males and 47.3% females. 

Table 1: Socio-Demographic Variables of the Study Population (N = 400)

Regarding marital status, the majority were married (59.8%), followed by single (34.8%) and divorced or widowed (5.5%). The predominant religion was Hinduism (69.3%), followed by Sikhism (15.3%), Islam (10.8%) and other religions (4.8%). Employment status revealed that 57.0% of participants were employed, 22.8% were unemployed and 20.3% were students. Educational levels varied, with 39.3% having higher education, 36.8% secondary education, 16.0% primary education and 8.0% having no formal education. Urban and rural residents were almost equally represented, with 52.8% from urban areas and 47.3% from rural areas.

Table 2 details the awareness levels of participants regarding millets. A significant portion of the participants (78.3%) knew what millets are and 62.8% could name different types of millets. Awareness about the nutritional value of millets was high, with 70.3% recognizing them as a good source of nutrients. Additionally, 59.8% were aware that millets help manage diabetes and 63.8% knew they are beneficial for heart health. However, only 48.8% were aware that millets are suitable for gluten-free diets. A notable 67.0% understood that millets require less water to grow and 61.0% recognized their environmental sustainability. Awareness of millets’ role in weight management was known to 57.8% of participants and 55.3% acknowledged that millets are a traditional part of the local diet.

Table 2: Awareness of Millets (N=400)

Table 3 summarizes the consumption patterns of millets among participants. Over half of the participants (56.5%) reported consuming millets. Regarding the frequency of consumption, 9.8% consumed them daily, 26.0% weekly, 20.3% monthly and 24.8% rarely, while 19.3% never consumed millets. 

Participants usually bought millets from local markets (27.8%), supermarkets (22.3%), online sources (10.3%) and directly from farmers (19.8%), while 20.0% did not buy millets at all. Preference for millets over other grains was indicated by 38.8% of participants and 37.3% stated that millets were a part of their regular diet.

Table 3: Consumption Patterns of Millets (N=400)

Table 4 highlights the sources of information about millets among the participants. Family and friends were the most common source of information (27.8%), followed by the internet and social media (35.3%), healthcare providers (14.8%), TV and radio (12.8%) and print media (9.5%). This indicates a significant reliance on informal and digital sources for information about millets.

Table 4: Sources of Information About Millets (N = 400)

Table 5 outlines the perceived benefits of millets as reported by participants. The majority recognized the nutritional value of millets (62.3%), followed by their health benefits, particularly for diabetes and heart health (59.8%). Environmental sustainability of millets was acknowledged by 67.0%, while 54.8% saw economic benefits for farmers. Suitability for gluten-free diets was recognized by 48.5% of participants. These perceptions highlight the multifaceted benefits of millets that could be leveraged in promoting their consumption.

Table 5: Perceived Benefits of Millets (N = 400)

Table 6 identifies the barriers to millet consumption among participants. The primary barrier was a lack of awareness (45.3%), followed by a preference for other grains (25.3%), limited availability in markets (27.3%), higher cost compared to other grains (15.3%), lack of knowledge on how to cook/use millets (23.5%) and perceived taste or texture issues (22.8%). Addressing these barriers through targeted education and improved market availability could enhance millet consumption.

Table 6: Barriers to Millet Consumption (N = 400)

The findings of this study provide significant insights into the awareness and consumption patterns of millets among the general public in District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. The results underscore the importance of millets in promoting sustainable and nutritious diets and highlight the need for targeted interventions to enhance their consumption.

The study reveals that a substantial portion of the population in Kangra District is aware of millets and their nutritional benefits. Approximately 78.3% of participants knew what millets are and 70.3% recognized them as a good source of nutrients. These findings are consistent with the previous studies, which reported high levels of awareness about the nutritional benefits of millets among the general population. However, awareness regarding the suitability of millets for gluten-free diets was lower (48.8%), indicating a knowledge gap that needs to be addressed [8-10].

Furthermore, 59.8% of participants were aware that millets help in managing diabetes and 63.8% knew they are beneficial for heart health. These percentages are similar to those found in earlier studies, which also highlighted the health benefits of millets in managing lifestyle-related diseases. The notable awareness (67.0%) about millets requiring less water to grow and their environmental sustainability (61.0%) suggests a growing recognition of millets as climate-resilient crops, aligning with the findings of past studies [11-14].

The consumption patterns observed in this study indicate that over half of the participants (56.5%) reported consuming millets. This is a positive finding, reflecting a moderate level of millet integration into diets. However, the frequency of consumption varies, with only 9.8% consuming millets daily, 26.0% weekly and 20.3% monthly. These figures are lower compared to the many studies, which reported higher daily and weekly consumption rates. The preference for millets over other grains was indicated by 38.8% of participants and 37.3% stated that millets were part of their regular diet, showing potential for increased adoption with the right interventions [15-18].

Family and friends (27.8%) and the internet and social media (35.3%) were the primary sources of information about millets. This reliance on informal and digital sources highlights the need for more structured and credible dissemination of information, especially from healthcare providers (14.8%) and traditional media such as TV, radio and print. These findings are comparable to those in an earlier study, which also reported a significant reliance on informal sources for health-related information [12-16]

Participants in this study recognized several benefits of millets, including their nutritional value (62.3%) and health benefits for managing diabetes and heart health (59.8%). Environmental sustainability (67.0%) and economic benefits for farmers (54.8%) were also acknowledged, reflecting a multifaceted appreciation of millets. This aligns with the results from previous researches, which also highlighted the broad spectrum of benefits associated with millet consumption [17-20]

The primary barriers to millet consumption identified in this study were lack of awareness (45.3%), preference for other grains (25.3%), limited availability in markets (27.3%) and higher cost compared to other grains (15.3%). These barriers are consistent with those reported in the earlier studies, which also identified similar challenges in promoting millet consumption. Additionally, lack of knowledge on how to cook/use millets (23.5%) and perceived taste or texture issues (22.8%) were significant deterrents, highlighting the need for educational campaigns and culinary training to overcome these obstacles [21-23].

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the use of a self-reported questionnaire may introduce response bias, as participants might provide socially desirable answers. Secondly, the cross-sectional design of the study captures information at a single point in time, limiting the ability to assess changes in knowledge and practices over time. Additionally, the study was conducted in a specific geographic region, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other regions with different socio-demographic characteristics.

Implications for Public Health Policy

The findings of this study have several implications for public health policy and practice. Comprehensive public education campaigns are needed to improve knowledge about the nutritional and health benefits of millets, focusing on the areas where awareness is lacking. These campaigns should be tailored to address the specific needs of different demographic groups, including targeted interventions for older adults, women and less educated individuals.

Healthcare providers should be empowered and incentivized to play a more active role in patient education, given their pivotal position as trusted sources of information. Digital platforms also present a significant opportunity for expanding the reach of health education initiatives, particularly among younger and tech-savvy populations.

Stricter enforcement of regulations surrounding the sale and promotion of millets is essential to enhance their availability and affordability. Policies should be developed to support millet farmers and promote millet-based products in the market, ensuring that consumers have access to high-quality and affordable millets.

This study provides valuable insights into the awareness and consumption patterns of millets among the general public in District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. The findings highlight that while there is a substantial level of awareness regarding the nutritional benefits and environmental sustainability of millets, gaps remain in knowledge about their suitability for gluten-free diets and their role in managing lifestyle-related diseases. Over half of the participants consume millets, albeit with varying frequency, indicating a moderate integration of millets into daily diets. The study also reveals a significant reliance on informal and digital sources for information about millets, underscoring the need for more structured and credible dissemination through healthcare providers and traditional media. Despite the recognized benefits of millets, barriers such as lack of awareness, limited availability and higher cost compared to other grains hinder their broader adoption. Addressing these barriers through targeted educational campaigns, culinary training and improved market availability is crucial. This study calls for comprehensive public health strategies, including the empowerment of healthcare providers, stricter regulatory enforcement and support for millet farmers, to promote the consumption of millets. By implementing these measures, we can enhance public understanding, foster sustainable agriculture and contribute to improved health outcomes and resilient food systems in the region.

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