Nutrition Transition- A Study of Millet Consumption Pattern Across Three Generations of Indian Families

Abstract

Introduction: Millets, traditional grains of India, are gaining renewed attention due to their nutritional benefits and climate resilience. This study aims to assess the millet consumption patterns among three generations in 200 families living together in Chandigarh. Understanding generational shifts in millet consumption can provide insights into changing dietary preferences and strategies to reintroduce millets into modern diets to combat lifestyle diseases.

Methodology: The study was conducted on 200 families (600 respondents) residing in Chandigarh (U.T.), India, where three generations live together in the same household. Data was collected using a purposive sampling method and an interview-based questionnaire. The questionnaire explored millet consumption frequency (ragi, bajra, jowar, kodo millet, fox millet, kuttu, and rajgira), preferred cooking methods, reasons for consumption, and awareness of millets' nutritive value.

Results: Results showed significant generational differences in millet consumption. Among respondents, 41% of grandparents, 16% of parents, and 6% of children consumed millets for over 5 years. A significant association (χ2 = 341.365, p = 0.0001) indicates older generations have a longer history of millet consumption. Traditional eating practices were a key driver, with 35.5% of grandparents, 37.5% of parents, and 42.0% of children adhering to them besides other reasons for consumption of millets. Grandparents and parents predominantly consumed millets as chapatis, while children preferred millet-based cookies and cakes. Awareness of millet's nutritional value was reported to be high (96.5% grandparents, 94.5% parents). Many respondents (91.5% grandparents, 83.0% parents, 64.0% children) attributed declining millet consumption to the availability of other grains.

Conclusion: The study highlights significant generational differences in millet consumption among families in Chandigarh. Despite awareness, millet consumption has declined across generations, especially among younger individuals, indicating the need to encourage millets into contemporary diets for better health and nutritional security.