Shree Anna: The Nutritional Powerhouse Paving the Path for Health Security in India

Vikas Kumar *

Department of Agriculture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Vikas Bhawan, Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Ajay Kumar Sharma

Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Satya Vart Dwivedi

Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

Millets often referred to as Shree Anna; represent a group of small-seeded cereal grains renowned for their remarkable health benefits and drought tolerance. These grains have a long history of cultivation and are consumed across diverse regions worldwide, with a pronounced emphasis on Asia and Africa. However, recent years have seen a decline in Shree Anna cultivation and consumption due to a shift towards more profitable and higher-yielding crops. This shift has resulted in reduced food and nutritional security for communities that rely on millets for their livelihoods and sustenance. It is a rich source of protein, fiber, micronutrients, and vitamins, making it a valuable resource in addressing iron, zinc, and protein deficiencies, particularly among women and pre-school children. In India, Shree Anna holds a critical position as a predominant cereal crop, especially among low-income families, owing to its well-known nutritional value. However, despite its nutritional potential, Shree Anna remains underexplored in India, and there is significant untapped potential for its utilization. Unlocking the full potential of Shree Anna could have a profound impact on nutritional security, sustainable agriculture, and the economic well-being of communities.

Keywords: Shree anna, nutritional, elixir, health potential, nutritional security


How to Cite

Kumar , Vikas, Ajay Kumar Sharma, and Satya Vart Dwivedi. 2024. “Shree Anna: The Nutritional Powerhouse Paving the Path for Health Security in India”. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science 36 (6):230-40. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijpss/2024/v36i64625.