International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Rondla Anitha, Gottemukkala Bhavani, M Sujatha and Vallela. Rajendra Kumar

abstract
In India, millets are often referred to as "Siridhanya" or "miracle grains" due to their nutritional and health benefits. Food and Agriculture Organization and United Nations has recognized 2023 as International Year of Millets or IYM2023 for awareness about health and nutritional benefits of millets. Millets are indeed considered a nutrient-rich food and offer numerous health benefits. Among the various health and nutritional benefits of millets, its impact on hemoglobin concentration is important since anemia is a major public health issue in many countries. To evaluate the effect of nutritious millet bars on hemoglobin levels in adolescent girls, a systematic food-based intervention programme was conducted by YFA-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (ICAR), Mahbubnagar-I in Madanapuram, Wanaparthy district. 120 adolescent girls were involved in the study with 60 participants in the control group and 60 participants in the experimental group. Consumption of millet bar shows positive effect on hemoglobin levels with highly significant value (p < 0.01). In the experimental group, the participants with moderate anemia hemoglobin levels has increased significantly 9.33±0.88 g/dl to 10.01±0.76 g/dl from 0 to 90 days (p < 0.01) respectively. Results of this study showed a significant rise in the hemoglobin levels of participants with severe anemia in the experimental group from 6.8±0.09 g/dl at baseline to 8.14±0.96 g/dl after 30 days and further to 9.44±0.31 g/dl, showing the effectiveness of the nutri-dense millet bar in rising the hemoglobin levels and reducing anemia in adolescent girls. Many participants in the experimental group, has been progressed from mild anemia to normal. Increasing the consumption of iron from millets resulted a positive impact on hemoglobin levels of adolescent girls. By promoting millet consumption and developing innovative millet-based products, can address iron deficiency anemia and improve overall health outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations.