Socio-Economic Determinants of Awareness and Utilization of Millets and Its Value-added Products among Rural Consumers in Madurai District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Millets are sustainable and nutritious alternative to cereals. Millets are utilized due to its potential in attaining food security. This study was conducted in Madurai district to assess the awareness and utilization of millets and its value-added products among rural consumers. A sample size of 75 respondents were selected from three blocks such as Sedapatti, T.Kallupatti, Usilampatti using random sampling method. The data for this study was collected through personal interview technique using pre tested interview schedule. Value-added products of millets were categorized into ready to eat, ready to cook, instant mix and snacks. The statistical tools such as descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis were used to assess the awareness and utilization of millets and its value-added products among rural consumers and analysed the data using SPSS software. Majority of them were aware of millet flour, millet roti, millet kali and millet murukku. Most of the rural consumers had utilized millet in the form of millet kali (100.00%) and millet roti (96.00%). Age, educational status, occupational status, annual income, family size, information source utilization, period of consumption of millets had shown significant and positive relationship with awareness and utilization at one and five per cent level of significance. The R2 square value of awareness (0.726) and utilization (0.518) of millets and its value-added products were observed in this study. Millets and its value-added products’ awareness and utilization can be increased through awareness campaigns, demonstrations and trainings.