Cognizance and ingesting practice of small millets in Villupuram district – an examination

Millets are grown expansively in different areas of India as a staple crop to feed a huge section of the inhabitants. In India, its production holds the sixth position after wheat, rice, maize, sorghum and bajra.

International Journal of Management (IJM) Volume 7, Issue 7, November–December 2016, pp.281–287, Article ID: IJM_07_07_031 Available online at http://www.iaeme.com/ijm/issues.asp?JType=IJM&VType=7&IType=7 Journal Impact Factor (2016): 8.1920 (Calculated by GISI) www.jifactor.com ISSN Print: 0976-6502 and ISSN Online: 0976-6510 © IAEME Publication COGNIZANCE AND INGESTING PRACTICE OF SMALL MILLETS IN VILLUPURAM DISTRICT – AN EXAMINATION Dr N Srividhya Professor, SMVEC, Pondicherry, India ABSTRACT Millets are grown expansively in different areas of India as a staple crop to feed a huge section of the inhabitants In India, its production holds the sixth position after wheat, rice, maize, sorghum and bajra The most important cultivated species of millets in India are foxtail millet, finger millet, pearl or cattail millet, brown millet etc., It offers high nutritional supplement food and acts as an antioxidant properties contained food India is a country needs such type of food grain needs to supplement all nutrition’s to the ever-growing population To facilitate an improved and healthy food supply the Government along with the farmers need to produce various small millets and supply to the general public This should be the right option for the farmers and it will definitely provide a rich place for India’s growth The planned cultivation of these millets will have provided a very nutritious and economical food for a large proportion of poor people Key words: Small millets, Nutritional value, Diabetics Cite this Article: Dr N Srividhya, Cognizance and Ingesting Practice of Small Millets in Villupuram District – An Examination International Journal of Management, 7(7), 2016, pp 281– 287 http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/issues.asp?JType=IJM&VType=7&IType=7 INTRODUCTION Today almost out of 10 people facing a major problems Diabetes What is the root cause for this deficiency? Is it because of our food, or food habits, or culture May be any one reason but now-a-days there is a major awareness among people to use small millets, because it reduces the problem of Diabetes and usage of more millets than regular rice helps them to reduce fat content, reduces cholesterol level Millets have wonderful in their nutrient content Every millet has highly recommended fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins Today physicians also recommend their patients to take millets more for their health and safety life All millets have high anti-oxidants Moreover, millets need little water to grow, and it is not dependent on any fertilizers or pesticides The consumption of millets is increasing day by day, but the production is very limited Farmers are hesitant to produce these types of products This article analyses the awareness and consumption practice of millets among Villupuram district people In India, lack of dietary diversity is one of the key factors behind malnutrition and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as Blood pressure, Diabetes etc., Small millets are the great supplement to current crops http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 281 editor@iaeme.com Dr N Srividhya “The rice eater is weightless like a bird; the one who eats Jowar is strong like a wolf: one who eats Raagi remains ‘nirogi’ [illness free] throughout his life - An old Kannada saying” NUTRITION BENEFITS OF SMALL MILLETS Millet is so important because of its uniquely high content of nutrients, including impressive starch levels, very high B-vitamin content, as well as calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, magnesium, not to mention being a healthy source of essential fats in the body Furthermore, there are significant levels of protein and dietary fiber in millet as well, which contribute to even more health benefits of this important grain HEALTHY BENEFITS OF SMALL MILLETS • • • • • • • • Beneficial in detoxifying body Lowers bad cholesterol level Prevents onset of breast cancer Helps to prevent type diabetes Effective in reducing blood pressure Helps to protect against heart diseases, optimize kidney, liver and immune system health Eliminates problems like constipation, asthma, excess gas, bloating and cramping Reduces risk of gastric ulcer or colon cancer 3.1 Small Millets and its Nutritious Value Name Energy value (Kg., Calorie) Kambu Maize (Solam) Ragi Thinai Varagu 361 222 328 331 309 Nutrients – Carbohydrates 27%, protein 26%, Calories 18% and Dietary fiber 11% Vitamins – Thiamin 26%, Niacin 22%, Folate 20%, Vitamin B6 18% Minerals – Copper 35%, Phosphorous 27%, Magnesium 26%, Iron 16% REASONS FOR LESS PRODUCTION OF SMALL MILLETS IN INDIA • • • • Millets are grown on poor shallow and marginal soils under rain fed conditions The soils on which these crops are cultivated have low moisture retention capacity The mixed cropping practices adopted by the farmers are mostly suited to sustenance agriculture and many of them are not remunerative It is frequently cultivated under unmanured and unfertilized conditions Improved crop management practices are not adopted by the farmers due to socio economic constraints There is no ready market for the disposal of surplus produce at a remunerative price There is a lack of extension and development support OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY • • • To find the awareness and consumption practice of small millet users in Villupuram District To analyze the reasons for usage of small millets in Villupuram District To rank the dominating factor that forces the respondents for the usage of small millets http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 282 editor@iaeme.com Cognizance and Ingesting Practice of Small Millets in Villupuram District – An Examination • • To make an economic analysis of small millets with that of predominant rice To find the purchasing frequency of small millets among the respondents in Villupuram District REVIEW OF LITERATURE SHOBANA ET AL., 2013 WHISPERED "Finger millet grains can be processed in several ways depending upon the ultimate utilization In order to develop consumable products, the different processing techniques include milling, malting, popping, puffing, flaking, debarring They are crushed in a roller mill, like wheat, and WINMOWED, to give coarse flour which is utilized as porridge Dr Rama Naik emphasized the point that millets are among the most nutritious food grains available in India and that the people who consume millets on a regular basis are decidedly healthier than those who not Those who consume millets are found to be fit even in their old age RESEARCH METHODOLOGY This research study is conducted in Villupuram District The methodology used for this research is Descriptive in nature A structured questionnaire was framed Primary data was collected with the help of questionnaire from 100 respondents Convenience sampling is used for this research Statistical tools like frequency analysis, chi square analysis, cross tabulation analysis, Factor analysis are used 7.1 Hypotheses of the Study H1 – There is no significant relationship between the income and acquisition habit of small millets H2 – There is no significant relationship between the respondent’s age and amount spent for purchases of small millets H3 – There is no statistical relationship between respondent’s education, occupation and awareness of small millets The sample size taken for the study is restricted to 150 respondents ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATIONS Table Socio Economic Status of the Respondents SL NO STATUS NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE CUMULATIVE PERCENTAGE 25 - 35 YEARS 36 – 45 YEARS 45 – 55 YEARS ABOVE 55 YEARS II EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION 66 67 10 44% 45% 7% 4% 44 89 96 100 ILLETERATE SCHOOL LEVEL COLLEGE LEVEL PROFESSIONALS III OCCUPATION 14 33 47 56 10% 22% 31% 37% 10 32 63 100 GOVERNMENT SECTOR PRIVATE SECTOR SELF EMPLOYED HOMEMAKER/OTHERS 86 12 39 13 57% 8% 26% 9% 57 65 91 100 I AGE OF RESPONDENTS http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 283 editor@iaeme.com Dr N Srividhya 1V MONTHLY INCOME LESS THAN RS 20000 RS 20001 – 30000 RS 30001 – 40000 ABOVE RS 40000 V NATURE OF FAMILY 53 70 18 35% 47% 12% 6% 35 82 94 100 JOINT FAMILY NUCLEAR FAMILY VI NO OF MEMBERS IN THE FAMILY 40 110 27% 73% 27 100 – MEMBERS 4-6 MEMBERS AND ABOVE VII FREQUENCY OF PURCHASES OF MILLETS 80 60 10 53% 40% 7% 53 93 100 90 35 25 60% 23% 17% 60 83 100 MONTHLY ONCE ONCE IN MONTHS RARELY Source: Primary Data H1 – There is no significant relationship between the income of the respondents and the acquisitions of millets for their use Table Cross tabulation showing the relationship between the income and the acquisitions of millets ACQUISITIONS OF SMALL MILLETS Less than Rs 20000 Rs 20001 – Rs 30000 MONTHLY INCOME Rs 30001 – Rs 40000 RS 40000 AND ABOVE Monthly once Once in months Rarely Total 35 39% 10 29% 32% 53 34% 42 47% 16 46% 12 48% 70 46% 9% 17% 16% 23 15% 5% 8% 4% 6% 90 100% 35 100% 25 100% 150 100% COUNT % OF ACQUISITION COUNT % OF ACQUISITION COUNT % OF ACQUISITION COUNT % OF ACQUISITION Total Source: Primary data The above table shows clearly the relationship between the income and acquisition of small millets for their use By applying the p value is significant and at 5% level Hence it is proved that there is a relationship between the income and acquisition of millets Respondents who are in the income category II purchase more than people who earn more The P value is 74.65 and it is statistically significant that there is a relationship between the income and the acquisition of millets http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 284 editor@iaeme.com Cognizance and Ingesting Practice of Small Millets in Villupuram District – An Examination Table Cross tabulation showing the relationship between the age and the amount spent on purchases of millets AMOUNT SPENT ON PURCHASES OF MILLETS PER MONTH 25 – 35 YEARS AGE 35 – 45 YEARS 45 - 55 YEARS ABOVE 55 YEARS COUNT % OF PURCHASES COUNT % OF PURCHASES COUNT % OF PURCHASES COUNT % OF PURCHASES TOTAL RS 100 - 200 RS 201 - 300 RS 301 400 Total 21 68% 23 39% 22 37% 66 44 23% 33 56% 27 45% 67 45 0% 0% 10 17% 10 9% 5% 1% 31 100% 59 100% 60 100% 150 100% Source: Primary data The above cross tabulation explains the relationship between the age and the acquisition of millets Now a day’s people in the age group of 25 to 35 got more awareness about the benefits of small millets and they use more than others Now people are more conscious about their health, fear about some common diseases etc., by applying chi square the P value is statistically significant at 5% level with a value of 92.64 So it is proved that there is a statistical relationship between the age and amount spent on purchases of millets Table Table showing relationship between educational qualification and awareness of millets of the respondents AWARENESS OF MILLETS ILLITERATE COUNT PERCENTAGE SCHOOL LEVEL COUNT PERCENTAGE EDUCATIONAL COLLEGE COUNT QUALIFICATION LEVEL PERCENTAGE PROFESSIONALS COUNT PERCENTAGE Total YES NO TOTAL 11 9% 32 26% 32 26% 47 39% 122 100% 11% 3% 15 54% 32% 28 100% 14 9% 33 22% 47 32% 56 37% 150 100% Source: Primary data The above table presents the relationship between the educational qualification and awareness of millets among the respondents While applying the p, value is statistically significant and df The p value is 28.031 It clearly explains the qualified people better know about the millets than the illiterate In order to create awareness among the illiterate the Government can conduct awareness campaign in villages That will motivate them to understand better about the medicinal benefits of small millets http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 285 editor@iaeme.com Dr N Srividhya Table Table showing relationship between the age and awareness of millets of the respondents AWARENESS OF MILLETS 25 – 35 YEARS COUNT PERCENTAGE COUNT PERCENTAGE COUNT PERCENTAGE COUNT PERCENTAGE 35 – 45 YEARS AGE 45 – 55 YEARS ABOVE 55 YEARS Total YES NO TOTAL 50 42% 55 46% 7% 5% 120 100% 16 53% 12 40% 7% 0% 30 100% 66 44% 67 45% 10 7% 5% 150 100% Source: Primary data The above table displays the relationship between the age and the awareness of millets The crosstabulation analysis clearly indicates that people in the age group of 25 to 35 years are very much interested to use small millets Now-a-days people are facing high work pressure both at their workplace and also outside This leads to the gateway of various diseases like BP, diabetes etc., To reduce the cholesterol, BP, Sugar level using small millets is a gift It prevents the entry of these diseases The p value is 9.485 which is statistically significant at df Hence it portrays that there is a relationship between the age and the awareness of millets Table Showing Reasons for Acquisition and use of Millets RANK HEALTH Y FOOD AFFORDA BLE PRICE TAST E SUITA BILIT Y WEIGHT INESS REDUCT ION RECOMMEMDE D FOOD BY DOCTORS REDUCE THE CONSUMPTION OF WHITE PRODUCTS 94 17 23 40 12 27 19 26 31 36 14 23 12 24 22 37 20 35 21 23 22 24 5 25 24 46 19 17 14 22 35 26 21 16 26 9 21 15 38 25 Source: Primary Data The above table portrayed the rank given by the respondents for the main reason to purchase and consumption of millets First rank goes to purchase and consume the millets because it is a healthy food and it contains more nutrients, iron, calcium etc., the second rank goes to reduce the cholesterol and weight Small millets help them to reduce their weight very quickly without any side effects The third and fourth rank goes to it is the best recommended food by doctors to reduce the ill effects of some serious diseases like Diabetics, Blood Pressure and the very highly facing problem by majority of the people are constipation Small millets are the recommended food to reduce constipation, why because it contains more fiber content, so it is highly recommended by doctors to their patients The next rank goes to the http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 286 editor@iaeme.com Cognizance and Ingesting Practice of Small Millets in Villupuram District – An Examination affordable price, the prices of small millets is only to 10% costly than their ordinary purchase items The fifth rank given by the respondents are the suitability i.e., convenience to use like other products like dhal, wheat etc., From this it is clear now a day’s people are expecting an alternative product to use to lead their lifestyle without any disturbance, any diseases etc., CONCLUSION The major profession for India is agriculture It is the backbone of our country’s pride As per recent research some the areas the children are facing a major problem like malnutrition To reduce the effects of malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, children need to take healthy and nutritious content food For them consumption of small millets is the only remedy Because it contains more nutrition, fiber, minerals, iron, calcium etc., The Government need to take various steps to promote the production of small millets by giving complete subsidy for those farmers who involved in the production of small millets Many farmers emphasize that rather than pushing major technological “modernization,” the government must take better care of the existing infrastructure Improvement of agricultural methods and productivity to reduce the need to cut down additional forest land Tropical forests cannot be maintained unless agricultural productivity is greatly improved REFERENCE [1] SHANKARAN, S., 1994, Prospects for coarse grains in India Agricultural Situation inIndia, 49(5): 319-323 [2] SHARMA, T C AND COUNTINHO, O., 2005, an analysis of the changes in area, production and productivity of millets in India, Agricultural Situation in India, 35: 545-550 [3] Mr Shrinivas R Zanwar and Prof R D Kokate, Advanced Agriculture System International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), 3(2), 2012, pp 111–118 [4] A study on Millets based cultivation and consumption in India – International Journal of Marketing and Financial Services, 2013, Michaelraj and Shanmugam [5] http://www.new-ag.info/en/focus/focusItem.php?a=3144 [6] Mohamed Bilal Basha and K Ramesh, Consumer Attitude towards Organic Food in Trichy – South India International Journal of Marketing and Human Resource Management (IJMHRM), 5(5), 2014, pp 01–10 [7] Collective Action in the Marketing of Underutilized Plant Species: Lessons from a Case Study on Minor Millets in South India”, Food Policy, Vol.30 pp 1-7 Gull http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 287 editor@iaeme.com ... Ingesting Practice of Small Millets in Villupuram District – An Examination • • To make an economic analysis of small millets with that of predominant rice To find the purchasing frequency of small millets. .. Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), 3(2), 2012, pp 11 1–1 18 [4] A study on Millets based cultivation and consumption in India – International Journal of Marketing and Financial Services,... and Ingesting Practice of Small Millets in Villupuram District – An Examination Table Cross tabulation showing the relationship between the age and the amount spent on purchases of millets AMOUNT