Abstract:
Millets have been vital to Sri Lanka’s rural agriculture. However, their cultivation
and consumption have declined. This study was conducted in four Grama Niladhari
divisions of the Nallur Divisional Secretariat, Jaffna District. One hundred
households were selected by systematical sampling method and forty school
children were involved in millet cookery sessions along with one of their parents.
Data on socio-demographics, millet knowledge, consumption frequency and
barriers to millet usage were collected through interviews. Awareness exhibitions,
millet seed displays, nutritional education and recipe booklets were used to promote
millet usage. When provided with finger millet (Eleusine coracana), little millet
(Panicum sumatrense), foxtail millet (Setaria italica), pearl millet (Pennisetum
glaucum) and kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum), over 90% of participants were
able to identify finger millet across all divisions. However, identification of the
other millet types remained below 30%. Use of finger millets in home cooking was
reported by 61% of the participants, although typically only twice monthly or less.
Consumption of other millets were reported below 12%. This was due to market
scarcity, higher costs and insufficient local milling facilities. Farmers also cited
poor market access and low demand as key challenges. During cookery sessions,
participants prepared innovative dishes like rainbow pittu, drumstick-leaf rotti, and
millet-based porridges. A follow-up survey revealed that household millet
consumption increased from 12% to 42% after the intervention. Engagement of
school children and family members facilitated knowledge transfer and cultural
preservation. To support farmers, authorities should establish dedicated market
infrastructure. The study highlights the potential of participatory programs to restore
traditional food practices, support sustainable agriculture and improve community
nutrition.
