Nutrimillets Namkeen – Jowar Chivda – Garlic Flavor (60 grams)

1. Ingredient Sourcing:

• Millets like Jowar (Sorghum): Jowar is a drought-resistant crop that requires less water compared to other grains like rice and wheat. It can be grown in semi-arid regions without extensive irrigation, making it a sustainable choice in agriculture. The reduced need for irrigation conserves water, which is a critical resource.
• Garlic: Garlic is a hardy plant that can be grown in various climates and often requires minimal chemical inputs such as pesticides and fertilizers, especially when cultivated using organic or traditional farming methods.

• The processing of Jowar Chivda typically involves simple roasting or frying, which can be done with minimal energy consumption compared to highly processed snacks. The energy footprint of such traditional processing methods is relatively low, contributing to the overall sustainability of the product.

• If the ingredients (Jowar and garlic) are locally sourced, the transportation emissions are minimized. Locally sourced ingredients reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation, making the product more sustainable.

• If the product is packaged using minimal, recyclable, or biodegradable materials, this further reduces its environmental impact. Sustainable packaging choices can significantly lower the carbon footprint of the product.

Low Carbon Footprint of Namkeen – Jowar Chivda – Garlic Flavor

• Jowar, as a crop, requires less water and fewer chemical fertilizers than more intensive crops like rice or corn. This reduced input translates into lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with water pumping and fertilizer production.

• Jowar can be grown on marginal lands where other crops may not thrive, allowing for efficient land use without the need for deforestation or conversion of natural ecosystems into agricultural land. This efficient land use helps in maintaining biodiversity and sequestering carbon in the soil.

• If the ingredients are sourced locally, the transportation emissions (often referred to as "food miles") are minimized. Transportation is a significant contributor to the carbon footprint of food products, so shorter supply chains result in lower emissions.

• Traditional methods of preparing Chivda, such as roasting or light frying, use less energy compared to highly processed snacks. This lower energy usage during processing means fewer carbon emissions are released.

Scientific Explanation

• Photosynthesis and Carbon Sequestration:
  • Jowar, like other plants, sequesters carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. This process helps offset some of the carbon emissions associated with the product's life cycle. Moreover, Jowar has a relatively high biomass, contributing to more carbon sequestration compared to less dense crops.
• Resilience to Climate Change:
  • Jowar's resilience to dry conditions and ability to grow in less fertile soils without significant chemical inputs make it a climate-smart crop. Growing such resilient crops can reduce the overall carbon footprint of agriculture, especially in regions prone to drought or where irrigation is energy-intensive.

References & Further Reading

1. Jowar (Sorghum) and its Environmental Benefits:
   • "Sorghum: A Resilient Crop for the Drylands," FAO.
   • "Water Use Efficiency in Sorghum," Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science.
2. Sustainable Agriculture Practices:
   • "Sustainable Agriculture: Practices and Principles," USDA.
   • "The Role of Millets in Sustainable Agriculture," International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
3. Carbon Footprint of Food Products:
   • "Assessing the Carbon Footprint of Food Products," Environmental Science & Technology.
   • "Food Miles and the Relative Climate Impacts of Food Choices in the United States," Environmental Science & Technology.