Assessment of Consumption Pattern, Knowledge and Awareness of Millets: A Study among Urban Households of Vijayapura District, Karnataka

Millets are a vital food source, providing essential nutrients, fiber, and minerals. Their significance extends beyond nutrition, as they contribute to food security, sustainable agriculture, and economic empowerment. The present study aimed at assessing the consumption pattern, knowledge and awareness level about millets. An exploratory research was conducted at urban area of Vijayapura district, Karnataka with the total sample of 100 were selected by random sampling method. Structured questionnaire and face to face interview methods were employed to collect data on socio- demographic profile, dietary habits, knowledge and awareness about millets, millet consumption and purchasing pattern. The study results showed that 32.0% and 31.0% of the respondents belongs to the upper lower class (Class IV) and upper middle class (Class II) and nearly 60.0% of the study subject were non-vegetarian and 95.0 % of respondents reported consuming meals three times a day. All respondents reported consuming grains daily (100%). Knowledge about millets among respondents represents that majority of respondents (88.0%) view millets as "very important" in terms of nutrition and all respondents reported being "very familiar" with millets like Sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet. The frequency of millet consumption among study subjects reported that 90 per cent of respondents daily consume sorghum followed by finger millet. The awareness about significance of millets known by the respondents observed that 98 per cent agree that all types of millets are good quoting multiple health benefits and seeing them as a rich source of iron, calcium, vitamins, and protein (92.0%) Majority of the subjects (90.0%) recognize millets as beneficial in managing weight, diabetes and CVD. About 98.0 % of the respondents came to know about millet products through their family and friends circle and 94.0 % of them purchase millets from the local stroes. The commonly found products of millets in the market were millet flour products and millet malt as reported from the majority of the respondents. The study reflected a growing trend towards traditional grains as part of a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and education in sustaining and expanding millet consumption.