Disappearing Fingermillet Attraction In Nepal

 Fading Fingermillet Production And It's Impact 

Fingermillet, which we Nepalese commonly called as  "Kodo" is widely grown cereal crop. Its scientific name is Eleusine corocana. It is enlisted in the grass family , Poaceace. The origin of

this crop was in Ethiopia ,Africa. In our country , Nepal it is found as a primary food in many hilly regions .As per information, this crop has been seen cultivating from terai region to mid hills with ranging altitude of 2200 masl. It is nutritive crop i.e. it contains 76.32% carbohydrate, 9.2% protein, 2-3% minerals and some amounts of calcium ,phosphorus and vitamin A,B as well. We  usually prefer to eat dhino and roti from this crop. Alcoholic beverages are also preferred much by fermentation process from it's grains.This crop is ready to harvest at about 4-5 months. But these days fingermillet crops are not on sufficient productivity as per the demand of the people, especially urban areas ; where people are seeking for gaining as a proper diet. 

                        

                        

 In Nepalese society, there is a concept; which has been developed as a tradition that cultivating fingermillet is a symbol of poverty. Such worthless culture is somehow hiding its importance. It is only wanted crop after rice , maize and wheat production. But one should

know that fingermillet can be a good substitute to these crops. Fingermillet has 35 times more calcium than rice and maize and 8.63 times more than that of wheat. It is very necessary crop for children ,which is already mentioned by World Health Organization and more fruitful for the  pregnant woman. It is also needed compulsory in diabetes patients. It has other benefits too. The protein found in this crop consists Methionine and sulphur containing amino acids like that found in milk.It prevents one from anaemia and high fat diet.When an individual is suffering from common cold and whooping cough, its soup is used as a medicinal treatment. It is very essential for the development of teeth and bone of children. It  has several functions in our blood. Viewing this,we can realize how important it is for our proper health and hunger.

Farmers are not seriously focusing on more production of this crop. Instead, at some places, farmers  are leaving the land barren .This is sounding more troublesome here. The one crop which itself is important is being dominated. Fingermillet crops are even though not sensitive  i.e these can tolerate adverse environment and climate.The reason behind the low production of these crops maybe due to the lack of awareness among the farmers and many people . So, this sort of message should be taken among people and should be encouraged positively to cultivate it like other cereal crops.

Economical prosperity has a high scope if our country is able to produce this crop in a sufficient manner. We can build our own secure position in agriculture sustainability. We will able to produce healthy citizens. We can seek for a better change. We should know that we are enough in ourselves to make a reform.