Vol. 11, Issue 12 (2022)

Author(s):
Anwar Hussain, Rinchan Dolkar, Mohd Mehdi and Dorjay Namgyal

Abstract:
Small millets viz. foxtail millet and proso millet are unattended but important crops cultivated in the pockets of the cold arid region, Ladakh. Due to the cultivation constraints and unawareness about the nutritional facts and health benefits the cultivation of the crops has been declined though it is used for feed and fodder purposes. The present study is an attempt to explore the status of the millets in the pockets of Leh and Kargil districts of Ladakh. It also brings in the various causes of the decrease in acreage under millets and the various possible remedies to be evolved to review its production and for the sustenance of the farming families affiliated. The revival of millets is also strongly felt for human consumption among the nutritionally deprived tribal population and the current study would be a tribute towards the celebration of ‘International Year of Millets’ in 2023 from this remotest region of the world.