The announcement was listed on the India Science, Technology and Innovation portal on Friday. The programme provides an opportunity to strengthen the documentation of scientific work, research institutions, technologies and developments that have contributed to India’s research ecosystem.

Scientific progress is often recorded through research papers, laboratory reports, institutional archives, photographs, correspondence, instruments and personal accounts of researchers. Preserving such material can help future generations understand how scientific knowledge developed and how institutions responded to changing research priorities.

Archiving science and technology also helps maintain records that may otherwise become difficult to access as researchers retire, laboratories change their systems or older documents deteriorate. Properly organised collections can support historical research, institutional learning and public understanding of science.

NCBS, based in Bengaluru, is a major research institution with expertise in biological sciences. Its archival work contributes to efforts to document the history and development of science in India.

The PAST programme offers a structured platform for proposals related to science and technology archives. The second cohort provides an opportunity for eligible applicants to develop projects that identify, organise and preserve historically significant material.

For researchers and institutions, such work can involve locating important records, establishing their provenance, creating descriptions and metadata, and developing systems that make collections accessible for research. Digital preservation can also help protect records and improve their discoverability, although it requires appropriate technical and institutional support.

Scientific archives serve an important role beyond historical documentation. They can help researchers trace the development of ideas, understand past methods and identify connections between earlier work and contemporary scientific questions.

Interested applicants should consult the official NCBS call for details on eligibility, proposal requirements, selection procedures and deadlines before submitting an application.

The announcement highlights the importance of preserving India’s scientific memory alongside investment in new discoveries. By documenting the people, institutions and work behind scientific progress, archival initiatives can help ensure that valuable knowledge remains available to future generations.

The two-day event, held on October 19 and 20, is an initiative of the Indian Science, Technology and Engineering Facilities Map (I-STEM), supported by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

The conclave focuses on connecting organisations that need specialised scientific equipment and testing services with institutions that already possess these facilities. Improving access to existing infrastructure can help researchers and businesses reduce duplication, manage development costs and make better use of publicly funded scientific resources.

Participants targeted by the initiative include micro, small and medium enterprises, start-ups, corporate research and development centres, academic institutions, testing laboratories, calibration facilities and scientific equipment manufacturers.

Access to specialised instruments can be a major challenge for early-stage companies and smaller research teams. Purchasing and maintaining advanced equipment may require substantial investment, while some facilities may be used only for limited periods. Shared access can provide an alternative, allowing users to conduct experiments and testing without having to establish complete laboratories of their own.

I-STEM operates as a digital platform intended to make India’s research facilities more discoverable and accessible. By connecting users with available equipment and services, the system seeks to improve coordination between institutions and potential users.

The REACH conclave also provides an opportunity for industry and research organisations to discuss practical requirements, collaboration opportunities and ways to improve the use of scientific facilities.

Closer cooperation between laboratories and industry can support product development, quality testing, certification and the translation of research into commercial applications. For start-ups, access to suitable infrastructure can be particularly important during the early stages of technology development.

The initiative reflects a broader effort to strengthen India’s research ecosystem by making existing capabilities more accessible. Its long-term impact will depend on effective facility-sharing arrangements, transparent access procedures and sustained participation from research institutions and industry.

The Department of Science and Technology organised a curtain-raiser programme at Technology Bhawan in New Delhi on Thursday to outline the themes and objectives of the second edition of the conclave.

ESTIC aims to bring together scientists, researchers, industry representatives, start-ups, entrepreneurs and young innovators to encourage collaboration across India’s science and technology ecosystem.

Autonomous systems are technologies that can perform tasks with limited human intervention by combining sensors, software, decision-making capabilities and control mechanisms. They can be used in areas such as manufacturing, transport, agriculture, logistics and inspection.

Physical AI connects artificial intelligence with machines and systems that interact with the real world. When combined with robotics, it can support machines that perceive their surroundings, process information and perform physical tasks. Research in these areas involves several disciplines, including computer science, electronics, mechanical engineering and advanced materials.

The conclave is expected to provide a platform for discussion on how scientific research can be translated into practical technologies. Collaboration between universities, research institutions, industry and start-ups is important for moving promising ideas from laboratories into products and services.

ESTIC also aims to strengthen links between fundamental research and commercial applications. Researchers often require access to specialised facilities, funding and industrial expertise to test technologies and develop them for wider use.

The focus on emerging technologies reflects India’s wider effort to build domestic research capabilities and encourage innovation. As artificial intelligence and robotics continue to develop, cooperation between scientific institutions and industry could help accelerate technology development and create new opportunities for Indian innovators.

The conclave is intended to bring different parts of the innovation ecosystem together and encourage research partnerships that can contribute to future technological progress.

Addressing the 121st annual session of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in New Delhi on Saturday, Singh said India needs to move beyond adopting technologies developed elsewhere and focus on creating indigenous solutions with global relevance.

He called for stronger partnerships between government, industry, academia and research institutions to help innovations progress from laboratories to market-ready applications.

The minister highlighted progress under the National Quantum Mission, saying India had achieved 1,000 kilometres of quantum-secure communication in three years against a target of 2,000 kilometres over eight years. He noted that quantum communication has strategic and security significance and that developing domestic expertise in advanced technologies remains important.

Singh also referred to the growth of India’s bioeconomy, which he said had expanded substantially over the past decade. The government has set a target of reaching a bioeconomy worth US$300 billion by 2030.

He emphasised that businesses should engage with research projects from the early stages so that scientists can better understand market needs and develop technologies with practical applications.

The minister also pointed to the importance of private-sector investment in research and development. Greater participation by industry, he said, could help turn scientific advances into viable enterprises, create economic opportunities and strengthen India’s technological capabilities.

He encouraged industry bodies to connect researchers, entrepreneurs and investors, helping promising ideas secure the support needed for commercial development.

Singh said India’s ambitions for 2047 would depend on faster execution, stronger innovation partnerships and the ability to scale home-grown technologies. Closer cooperation between scientific institutions and businesses, he added, would be important in building globally competitive solutions and strengthening the country’s strategic self-reliance.

The “Professor G.S. Visweswaran Chair” aims to promote excellence and leadership in teaching, research, and development in the area of Microelectronics & VLSI Design and the “Professor Manoj Datta Chair” will encourage and support research inGeotechnical & Geo-environmental Engineering.

“IIT Delhi takes pride in its world-class faculty and alumni who have distinguished themselves in various walks of life. It’s gratifying to see our alumni recognizing their teachers by instituting chair professor positions to honour their commitment to the profession. As a society and as an Institution, we want to see more of this. I am proud that our eminent alumnus Saurabh Mittal and a few other alumni have come forward and are setting an example”, says Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT Delhi

Dr.Visweswaran joined the Electrical Engineering Department at IIT Delhi in 1980 and retired in 2015. He is well-known for his work in analog and mixed-signal circuit design, memory design, and digital electronics. During his stint at IIT Delhi, he also served as president, board of student welfare and head, students counselling service. After superannuation, Prof Visweswaran joined IIIT-Delhi as Dean of student affairs and held that office till July 2017.

Prof Manoj Datta has been with the civil engineering department of IIT Delhi since 1980 and is now an Emeritus Professor. Prof Datta is well-known for his work in geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering and received the Lifetime Achievement Award (2017) and the Leadership award (2008) of the Delhi Chapter of Indian Geotechnical Society. He was Director, Punjab Engineering College (Deemed University), Chandigarh from 2008 to 2013 and Dean (Alumni Affairs& International Programmes) at IIT Delhi from 2004 to 2007.

Saurabh Mittal, while speaking of the two Chairs endowed by him, said, “The impact that Professors have on the lives of students during their IIT years goes beyond the classroom. Diligence, persistence, and the pursuit of excellence – all of which are hallmarks of any successful person – are honed under the guidance and high standards of our teachers. I certainly benefited immensely from their guidance during my graduate years, and it is my honour to be able to endow chairs in their names to support research excellence in their specific domain.”

Saurabh Mittal is the Founder and Chairman of Mission Holdings, which focuses on building strong operating platforms in technology, financial services, and media. Before founding Mission Holdings, Mr Mittal was a partner at Noonday, an affiliate of Farallon Capital Management, one of the world’s largest hedge funds where he was responsible for large public and private investments in the areas of Financial Services and Technology, Media, and Telecom (TMT). In 1999, Mittal co-founded Indiabulls, India’s leading financial services, and real estate conglomerate, where he served as Co-founder & Vice Chairman from inception till 2014. In 2017, he was conferred the Distinguished Alumni Award by IIT Delhi in recognition of his contributions to Corporate Business Development & Entrepreneurship.

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Keywords: Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Delhi, research, micro-electronics, VLSI design, Geotechnical, Geo-Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering

The celebration is part of the Government of India’s nationwide initiative titled `SwatantrataAmritMahotsav’ to highlight a major milestone in the history of independent India, is being implemented in two phases. The first phase is getting completed by August 15 ‘21, and the second will start after that and will go on till the next Independence Day.

In the first phase, a Science Quiz Competition for the school students from class VI to XI was launched on the web portal of VidyarthiVigyanManthan (www.vvm.org.in); and posters were prepared on Indian scientists who worked during the pre-independence period and their contribution in igniting the spirit of swadeshi and nationalism in people, among other things.

The second phase will include bringing out documentaries depicting the heritage of indigenous science and technology of the past and show Britishers’ influence through policies of suppression and ignorance and how Indian scientists responded to colonial science; and holding of a national conference for science communicators and another  for academicians from school to higher education.

At a function organised online on Monday to mark the formal inauguration of the celebrations, General Secretary of RashtriyaSwayamsevakSangh, DattareyaHosabale, appreciated the efforts to showcase the contribution of Indian scientists to the independence movement. “Many scientists of the period when India was fighting for its freedom were not confined to their labs alone. They were acutely aware of what was going on outside in the country and the world. Not much is known about their contributions. It is good that they are being brought out”.

Mr. Hosabale, who was the chief guest, also emphasised that science should not be left to scientists alone since it is connected to every aspect of life and noted that spiritual stalwarts had also made immense contributions to Indian science. He recalled that Swami Vivekananda had played an important role in the setting up of the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru.

Union Minister for the Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr.Jintendra Singh, who was the guest of honour, said, science not only contributed to Indian independence but also defined its various contours. “Mahatma Gandhi was a remarkable practitioner of scientific strategies. Satyagraha was nothing but a silent biological warfare against aggression.”

He emphasised the need to promote scientific temper in the country and noted that the Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, had a great scientific outlook. He recalled that at the inauguration of Shri Mata VaishnodeviKatra railway station in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Modi had noticed that the area had a lot of sunshine and had suggested that steps be taken to try and tap it and today the station is powered by solar energy.

He stressed the importance of science and said India can become a Vishwaguru only through the medium of science. “We need to synergise all streams of science and take up subject-based research projects with the involvement of other stakeholders also”.

National Organising Secretary of Vibha, Jayant Sahasrabhute, National President of Vibha, Vijay Bhatkar, and Director of VigyanPrasar, Dr. Nakul Prasar, hoped that the yearlong celebrations would help India attain new heights through the motivation of the younger generation.

The function marked the release of a book called `VigyanVidushi” on women scientists and entrepreneurs from the time of Indian independence; a compilation of transcripts of talks given under a lecture series; a special edition of VigyanPrasar’s Dream 2047 on science and 75th year of Indian independence and special issues of VigyanPrasar’s newsletters in regional languages. Besides, a web portal ‘swavigyan75.in’ for providing details on all aspects of the yearlong celebrations was also launched.

The function also celebrated the 160th birth anniversary of Acharya Sir Prafulla Chandra Ray. Rich tributes were paid to the eminent chemist, educationist, historian, industrialist and philanthropist. He established the first modern Indian research school in chemistry and is regarded as the father of chemical science in India.

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Keywords: VigyanPrasar, CSIR-NIScPR, VijnanaBharati, Vibha, SwatantrataAmrutMahotsav, VidyarthiVigyanManthan, RashtriyaSwayamsevakSangh, Indian Institute of Science, Mahatma Gandhi, scientific temper, Vishwaguru, VigyanVidushi, Dream 2047,  swavigyan75.in, Acharya Sir Prafulla Chandra Ray

National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), a joint initiative of IITs and IISc, has launched new courses on Electric Vehicles and Renewable Energy, Design for IoT, Business and Sustainable Development, for the July 2021 Semester through the SWAYAM platform.

NPTEL courses give an opportunity for students to learn from the comfort of their home. The enrolments for July – Dec 2021 Semester have already commenced. The Last Date to enroll for the first set of NPTEL courses is 2nd August 2021.

The courses are taught by the faculty from IITs and IISc. Learners can enroll for NPTEL courses through https://swayam.gov.in/NPTEL.

NPTEL offers more than 500 courses completely free of cost to learners across the country in online mode. The possibility for anyone to learn anywhere and anytime has made the teaching-learning process more student-centered, and innovative. This online mode of education has also proved invaluable in the COVID-19 pandemic era.

Highlighting the unique aspects of NPTEL, Prof. VigneshMuthuvijayan, NPTEL Coordinator at IIT Madras, said,“SWAYAM-NPTEL is currently working with more than 4,000 educational institutions in engineering, arts, science, commerce, and management across the country. Students and faculty from these institutions take up NPTEL courses to upgrade their knowledge and skills. Some of the popular courses on NPTEL platform include Data Science for Engineers, courses on programming in Python, C, C++, Introduction to Machine Learning, Soft skills, Project Planning and Control, among others.”

NPTEL offers certification courses through the MOOCs format. Learners must watch videos online, submit assignments on a weekly/monthly basis and can register for an optional proctored final exam. There is a nominal fee charged towards the in-person proctored exam for the certification. Students can request for transfer of credits once they clear the NPTEL certification exam, if it is approved by the educational institute they are affiliated with.

A wide variety of courses are available on NPTEL platform across Engineering, Humanities, Basic Sciences, and Management, etc. NPTEL has received more than 1.4 crore enrolments till date. NPTEL videos have received more than one billion views so far and NPTEL channels on YouTube have more than 3.1 million subscribers.

In order to streamline the efforts of learners and to guide them to obtain expertise in an area, NPTEL has initiated the concept of ‘Domain Certification.’ A domain comprises a set of core and elective NPTEL courses. There are no additional charges/fees involved in obtaining domain certification. There are 51 domains across 12 disciplines available now and 85 learners have completed domain certification from NPTEL till date.

Age has never been a barrier for taking up courses through NPTEL. Mr. HarshwardhanPatil, a 15-year-old student from SavitribaiPhule High School, Nanded, Maharashtra, is one of the youngest NPTEL learners and has completed five certification courses through NPTEL, namely Effective Writing, Soft Skills Development, Stress Management, Biochemistry, and English Language for Competitive Exams.

Ms. Singam Nirmala Devi, an NPTEL learner from Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, said, “The knowledge I gained through the NPTEL course, ‘The joy of computing using python’ was very much helpful in getting a job as a software engineer in an MNC. Through the NPTEL courses, I was able to understand concepts of python easily and was able to answer questions asked in the interview.”

NPTEL was initiated by seven Indian Institutes of Technology (Bombay, Delhi, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras, Guwahati and Roorkee) along with the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in 2003. NPTEL is the largest provider of MOOCs in India today, with a credible proctored certification exam that clearly qualifies and differentiates the learners who do these courses.

The program was formally launched on the 23rd of July, 2021 through a virtual session. Speaking at the Program Launch, Dr. Vipin Chaudhary, Department Chair, Computer and Data Sciences Department at Case School of Engineering elaborated on how the Department is taking huge strides in nurturing world class computer scientists. Dr. Vipin who is a President’s Gold Medal recipient from IIT – Kharagpur was excited about the research opportunities students are exposed to and also the opportunities to make a global career in Computational Data Sciences. “The MS Program in Computer Science and Data Science is highly competitive. If students who are not from IT or Computer Sciences background would like to take up Computer Sciences as a masters, there are pathway programs through which they can consider moving into computer science from any other master’s programs in the University.”

Dr.Dakshinamurthy V Kolluru, President and Co-Founder of INSOFE explained the vision and philosophy behind the dual specialisation masters. Dr. Murthy further explained how the program is structured to open multiple career avenues to students who would like to be AI Specialists and ML Researchers. “We are looking at building a knowledge capital that can think of engineering solutions to solve computational challenges, problems in Data Storage, security and Privacy using Artificial intelligence” Dr. Murthy added, “The current day computer sciences student should focus on innovation – Engineering a query language that could be smarter than SQL could be a problem they would like to solve. This collaborative master’s program aims at creating students who are committed to building such intellectual capital.”

Dr. Vincenzo Liberatore, Co-Chair of the program explained the employment outlook and how students at Case Western Reserve University are getting employed at some of the world class companies. Dr. Brian Amkraut, Executive Director at Siegal Lifelong Learning added –“We are happy about the quality of the students who are joining the dual specialization masters. It is an excellent opportunity for students to master the engineering core as well as application of Data Science, AI and Machine Learning on Engineering Problems.”

The Head of INSOFE Education – Americas and the CEO of Soothsayer Analytics, Mr. Gaurav Agrawal welcomed the panel and explained how INSOFE has grown to be a trusted partner in Case Western Reserve University’s endeavour to provide masters education in various engineering fields with a blend of advanced Data Science, AI and Machine Learning Concepts.

Dr. Srinivasa Varadharajan, Dear – R&D at INSOFE explained depth and breadth at which students will master the computer science curriculum with extreme focus on Artificial Intelligence.

“There is a misconception that this is a pathway or a student exchange program” SomagiriParupalli, Vice – President at INSOFE said, “INSOFE does not control the admission or the grades or the curriculum of the program, in short, Case Western Reserve University student studies at INSOFE Campuses. We are proud that Case Western Reserve University has entrusted the responsibility of delivering the first semester at INSOFE. The conviction to quality education of the faculty and the academics team at INSOFE has ensured that we are seen as an able partner by the university.”

MS in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence is the fourth program in the list of dual specialisation programs offered by Case Western Reserve University and INSOFE. Mechanical Engineering with AI and Robotics, Civil and Environmental Engineering with AI and Machine Learning in addition to the Biomedical Engineering with Digital Health Analytics were offered starting Summer 2020. The students of these STEM Category programs study their first semester in India and then go to Case Western Reserve University to complete their subsequent course work. The students can get unto 25% assured scholarship and get an education waiver for GRE and TOEFL.

About INSOFE

INSOFE is a world-class research, consulting, and education institution with a focus on baking Data Science ways of solving problems in many domains like healthcare, supply chain, financial markets, and robotics.  It is present in Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Mumbai in India and has partner university programs in France, USA, UK, and Canada. In addition, the institute works with global enterprise leaders extensively helping them adopt data science in their organizations.

• INSOFE’s unique aspects:
• 70+ Faculty
• 4 products, 75 patents, 1000+ publications, 100+ conference proceedings
• 100+ enterprise training events per year and
• 6000+ Alumni

INSOFE specializes in

• Creating innovative academic programs in applications of data science in various domains.
• Researching the changing roles within the enterprise due to the proliferation of Data Science
• Create & offer suitable intervention driven hands-on programs for each of these roles.
• Conducting research, building IP, innovating products and consulting with companies to help solve some extremely challenging real-world problems.

About Case Western Reserve University

With more than 125 years of experience, the Case School of Engineering at Case Western Reserve University is rooted in collaborative research and experiential learning. Students inquire, discover and create alongside distinguished faculty, and build a global professional network while attending classes in one of the most culturally robust communities in Cleveland.

Ranks Among Top Private research Institutions in USA.  Accredited by Higher Learning Commission

• Founded in 1826
• 17 Noble Laureates
• 12,000 Students from 81 Different Countries
• 20000+ Alumni

Millets are marvellous sources of nutrition. Traditional and rural societies everywhere in the country and agricultural scientists in the top echelons of the Indian government have long known it. But it took free India 70 years to notify millets as “Nutri-Cereals”–in 2018–which was also nationally declared as “The Year of Millets”.

According to a note prepared by the Union Agriculture Ministry,“Millets can help tackle health challenges such as obesity, diabetes and lifestyle problems as they are gluten-free, have a low glycemic index and are high in dietary fibre and antioxidants.”The note further states that “millets are nutritionally superior to wheat and rice owing to their higher levels of protein with a more balanced amino acid profile, crude fibre and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and phosphorous.”

Curative Power

A Mysuru-based scientist, Dr KhaderValli, popularly known as the “Millet Man of India”, explains why millets are superior to rice and wheat. How our body processes food is important to the absorption and value of food:

“Any food that takes a longer time to break down the glucose and fructose to be absorbed by the blood is truly healthy. While rice takes only 45 minutes to be absorbed by the blood, positive grains or millets take six hours”, says Dr Valli.

A post-doctoral fellow of Environment Science at Beaverton, Oregon, Dr. Valli did his PhD on steroids at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. But that was a long time ago. For the last 35 years, since he quit a lucrative job in the U.S., Dr. Valli has dedicated himself to the promotion of millets. He swears by their therapeutic value and prescribes a mix of five millets to his patients. Called the Siridhanya (rich grains) diet plan, it includes Kodo, Barnyard, Foxtail, Brown Top and Little Millets, and is reported to have cured patients suffering from a host of diseases, including anaemia, infertility, diabetes and cancer. Dr. Valli says, Barnyard millet, known as Udalu in Kannada and jhangora in Hindi, is his “personal favourite”.

Popular Dishes

In south India, Barnyard Millet flour is popularly used for making local foods like idli and dosa. In the north, especially in Uttarakhand, it is mixed with milk and sugar/jaggery to make a sweet dish, madirakikheer and with buttermilk known as paleu. Mixed millets khichdi is also popular in many parts of India while millet cookies, puffs, flakes and laddus are fancied items at high-end organic food stores all over the country. Research studies confirm the high nutrition of millets in general and Barnyard Millet in particular.

A 2019 research paper by V. G. Ranganathan and others of the Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Madurai, titled “Barnyard Millet for Food and Nutritional Security: Current Status and Future Research”, published in Frontiers in Genetic Nutrigenomics, June 23, 2020, says: “The nutritive value of Barnyard Millet is superior to that of other major and minor millets. It is a rich source of calcium, protein, magnesium, fat, vitamins, and some essential amino acids.”

According to the paper, the average carbohydrate content of Barnyard Millet varies between 51.5 and 62.9/100 grams, which is lower than that of other millets; its fibre, ranging between 8.1%  and 16.3%, is higher than in any other cereal and the protein content, between 11.2% and 12.7%, is reasonably higher than in other millets and cereals. “The high ratio of carbohydrates to crude fibre ensures the slower release of sugar in the blood, aiding in maintaining blood sugar levels.”

Recognising their nutritional value, the agriculture ministry recommended the inclusion of millets in the Public Distribution System (PDS) for improving nutritional support, but the idea has not caught on. Only Karnataka, Odisha and Uttarakhand have introduced millets in PDS, the main problems being the low shelf life of millets and poor storage facilities. For the same reasons, millets have not been included in mid-day meal schemes, among the most important places for the implementation of the government’s plan for millets.

Food as Status Symbol

While the government is still struggling against bottlenecks, private businesses are retailing millets successfully. Not just whole millets and millet flour, but also ready-to-eat items made out of them, are in high demand at upmarket food stores, which many find “unusual”.  “Initially, I was surprised to find foreigners and high-profile Indians asking for items made out of such desithings as ragi and jhangora that I thought were rather crude,” says saleswoman Meenakshi at one such store.“But now I know better,” she adds. Experts understand why she thought poorly of millets.

According to Senior Scientist at the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR)–Indian Agriculture Research Institute, Delhi, Dr. R S Bana, the young population of traditional and tribal societies have an “inferiority complex” about millets, and need to be educated about their nutritional value. They perceive rice and wheat as superior foods, he says, an observation that is endorsed by researchers. However, the scene has changed over the last decade.

Coarse Vs Refined

Lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, sourced to the preference for chemically processed and fast foods over the whole and coarse ones, have made the wealthy review their dietary choices. Refined and polished foodsare being blacklisted by them and crude foods with good roughage are the order of the day.

Dr.Bana agrees that there is a sizeable section of the rich and educated that is lately quite sensitive to the value of millets. It is they who offer the best hope of promoting millets. “Once they adopt these cereals as a staple diet, the approach of the poor people would also change.” As of now, Dr. Bana says, poor people are eating these nutritious foods “by default”.

POSHAN Atlas

A document,“The Current Position of Millets”, prepared by the Union Agriculture Ministry, talks about ways to promote the consumption and production of millets. Interestingly, it refers to a millet recipe book in regional languages published by The Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR).

As if to underline the importance of millets in the Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition (POSHAN), a “POSHAN Atlas” is being prepared under the guidance of the Principal Scientific Advisor; the atlas has information on state-specific recipes that account for cultural food preferences and palates. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has designed and is running the “Eat Right India Initiative”, which, the ministry paper says, could be an avenue for pushing for a wider use of millets.

The flip-flop over millets—from being known as the poor man’s food to being projected as a health food—also makes one wonder about the origin and composition of millets. According to a research paper by P. Ashoka and others, (published in November, 2020 in The International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences), millets originated in and around India, and have been the staple diet and health guardians of traditional societies for centuries. Belonging to the Poaceae/Graminae family, they are small-seeded grasses, yielding two major millets (Sorghum and bajra) and six minor millets (Finger, Foxtail, Little, Proso, Kodo, and Barnyard millets). Recently, a few minor millets have been added to this group, likeFonio, Quinoa and BrownTop millet.

“Each of the millets”, the paper notes, “is three to five times nutritionally superior to the widely promoted rice and wheat in terms of proteins, minerals (calcium and iron), and vitamins and fibre.” Millets, it adds, “are an ideal food for all the people, irrespective of age, and especially beneficial for children, pregnant and lactating women who are prone to anaemia.”

Local to Global

Today, India is the number one producer and consumer of millets in the world with Rajasthan as the top producer of millets in the country followed by Karnataka.The most interesting part of the millet graph is that in March this year, the United Nations declared 2023 as “The International Year of Millets”. The resolution in the U.N. General Assembly was proposed by India, and the Union Agriculture Ministry is already busy planning its campaign.

With so much energy being injected into the campaign, it would be no surprise if millets, described as “the first crops” in a government book, “The Story of Millets”, turn out to be “the future crops”– not just in India but across the globe.(India Science Wire)

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Keywords: Millets, Nutri-cereals, Food,Nutritional Security, Nutrition, Agriculture,Scientists, Agriculture Ministry, Antioxidants, ICAR, AahaarKranti, CSIR-CFTRI, ICMR-NIN

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Many wild plant species, such as wild fruit, leaf, flower and wild tubers, etcetera are used by rural and tribal populations significantly contributing to their livelihood and nutrition security. Did you know the wild crop species used by different tribal people in Koraput, Odisha has nutritional value and health benefits?

“The wild crops are important biodiversity components available from natural habitat, which are neither cultivated nor domesticated. These plants are collected from the forest, for food and medicine by tribal people who developed various processing methods according to their needs,” says Dr. Debabrata Panda, an Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources at the Central University of Odisha, Koraput.

Dr. Panda did his research on Agro-biodiversity, Underutilized Plant Species, and Wild Crops. He has made significant contributions in the field of collection, evaluation, and characterization of indigenous rice, millet, and other wild crop species found in Koraput.

“There are 122 wild edible plants used by 20 tribal villages in Koraput belonging to seven tribal groups, namely – Paroja, Bhumia, Gadaba, Bhatra, Saora, Gonda, and Kondha. The edible plants include wild fruit (39) species mostly consumed by the tribes compared to leafy vegetables (24), tuber (21) and flower (4),” informs Dr. Panda.

The wild edible tubers are largely collected during the winter season whereas the green leaves are collected in the rainy season and fruits and flowers are collected both in the winter and summer seasons. Notably, eight wild yam species are used as food by the tribes. Those are Dioscorea oppositifolia L., D. hamiltonii Hook.f., D. bulbifera L., D. pubera Blume., D. pentaphylla L., D. wallichii Hook.f., D. glabra Roxb and D. hispida Dennst.

When a comparison between the tuber quality traits of wild and cultivated yams was made, it found that the percentage of proximate compositions of wild yam tubers ranged from 3.82-5.42% ash, 1.55-1.90% fat, 1.45-1.60% fibre, 22.9-26.6% carbohydrate, 9.5-10.2% protein and 148-163 kcal gross energy compared to the cultivated (D. alata) species i.e. 3.16% ash, 0.91% fat, 1.40% fibre, 24.07% carbohydrate, 8.78% protein and 139 kcal gross energy.

Based on these findings, the wild Dioscorea species namely D. hamiltonii, D. pubera and D. oppositifolia have significantly higher amounts of nutritional and mineral content and nutritionally better than cultivated (D. alata) species.

The micronutrient composition analysis to know the quality and safety concerns about its use in the laboratory revealed that it ranged from 60.33-89.4 mg/100 g of sodium, 1029-1248 mg /100 g of potassium compared to 55.06 mg /100 g of sodium and 989 mg / 100 g potassium in cultivated species.

The majority of the wild yam tubers were rich in some of the essential minerals like calcium (18.08 to 74.79 mg/100 g), iron (11.15 to 74.79 mg/100 g), zinc (2.11 to 6.21 mg/100 g) and phosphorous (179 to 248 mg/100 g). The level of anti-nutrients such as diosgenin, phytate and oxalate content in raw tuber was significantly higher in wild Dioscorea species compared to the cultivated species (D. alata).

However, it is also testified that the anti-nutrients were lower than the recommended tolerable levels proposed by WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. But these less familiar wild tubers should not be ignored. Rather, these tubers are the safe food sources for mass consumption and domestication and can be used as a good alternative source of food to alleviate hunger and malnutrition.

Talking to India Science Wire, Dr. Panda said the research was aimed to chronicle the nutritional value and health benefits of wild crop species used by the tribes. The data on consumption patterns and nutritional importance were collected through questionnaires and personal interviews with tribal people.

“The nutritional traits such as proximate, nutritional and anti-nutritional compositions as well as the physico-functional properties were carried out at our laboratory of the Central University of Odisha. These wild plants might prove useful for tribes, but are largely ignored by researchers, breeders and policymakers,” he added.

Food and nutritional security are key concerns of the world. The majority of the people in different countries, including India are suffering from inadequacy in nutrition and various micronutrient deficiencies. With the onset of settled agriculture and modernisation, this knowledge is being lost at a rapid pace.

“The less familiar wild plants possess great potential as a good alternative source of food to alleviate hunger and malnutrition. Therefore, the mass consumption, commercialisation, popularisation and bio-prospecting of these valuable resources would be an appropriate approach for ensuring food and nutritional security of future generations,” Dr. Panda told India Science Wire.

Recommending the necessary steps to conserve these valuable resources at their natural habitat and validate it scientifically,Dr Panda has also underlined the need of conducting public awareness and community-based programmes at all levels for the conservation of such species.

“A strategy to promote commercial production of these wild plants is required to boost the local economy by initiating processing, value addition, and creating a market to reach larger consumers,” he urges.(India Science Wire)

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Keywords: Koraput, Wild Crops, Health, Plant species, wild fruit, leaf, flowers, wild tubers, nutrition security, wild crop species, tribals, nutritional value, biodiversity, natural habitat, Biodiversity, Natural Resources,  Central University of Odisha, Aahaar Kranti