Millet Mania: Exploring Awareness and Consumption Patterns among College Students.

Though millets are nutritionally superior to popular cereals like rice and wheat in terms of various nutrients, the consumption of rice and wheat is higher than that of millets. The present study was undertaken to understand the attitude, preference and consumption patterns of millets among young adults. The study participants were young adults between the ages of 17 and 24 years pursuing studies in various disciplines in Delhi and Haryana. Data regarding the preference, attitude, reasons for consumption, frequency and forms of millet consumption among young adults were collected using a Google questionnaire through WhatsApp and 700 responses were received. It was found that 82 per cent of the participants were aware of millet products available in the market and approximately 66 per cent considered millet superior to wheat and rice. Bajra, jowar and ragi were the most popular millets among them. The majority of respondents considered millets to be good for health and were aware of their nutritional benefits. Lack of knowledge about the preparation methods, being the only one in the household consuming millets, unacceptable taste and long preparation time were identified as factors responsible for not consuming millets. Roti/bread, khichadi, porridge, dosa, ready-to-eat foods and beverages were some of the popular preparations consumed by the respondents. Additionally, the majority of respondents considered millets to be environmentally sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]