Abstract

Millets, often referred to as “nutri-cereals,” play a crucial role in global and Indian agriculture due to their exceptional nutritional value, climate resilience, and ecological benefits. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of millet production, consumption trends, challenges, and policy interventions aimed at revitalizing millet farming.

The study examines:

• The historical significance of millets and their current status in agriculture
• The role of millets in food security, particularly for smallholder farmers and marginalized communities
• Global and Indian millet production trends, which have fluctuated due to dietary shifts, policy changes, and competition from staple cereals like wheat and rice
• The adaptability of millets to drought-prone regions and their minimal water requirements
• The challenges faced by millet cultivation, including declining acreage, inadequate policy support, and limited consumer awareness
• The impact of the Green Revolution in reducing millet production in favor of rice and wheat
• Supply chain constraints, market linkages, and research gaps affecting millet-based value addition

This paper highlights the health benefits of millets, emphasizing their high fiber content, rich micronutrient profile, and potential in managing lifestyle diseases like diabetes and obesity.

Additionally, millets align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting climate-resilient farming, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting small-scale farmers. India, as a major millet producer, has introduced policy measures such as:

• The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) – Coarse Cereals
• The inclusion of millets in the Public Distribution System (PDS)
• Financial incentives for millet processing industries

However, further interventions in research, mechanization, branding, and market promotion are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the millet sector. This paper concludes by recommending a multi-faceted strategy that integrates policy support, research advancements, consumer awareness, and improvements in the value chain.

By leveraging their superior nutritional profile, climate resilience, and ecological benefits, millets can transform agricultural landscapes, address food insecurity, and contribute to a more sustainable global food system.

Keywords:

• Millets Revolution
• Future of Food Security
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Climate-Smart Crops
• Resilient Farming
• Nutrient-Rich Superfoods
• Global Millet Economy
• India’s Millet Renaissance
• Agroecological Transformation
• Drought-Resistant Supergrains
• Policy Roadmap for Millets
• Reviving Ancient Grains
• Smallholder Empowerment
• Next-Gen Farming Practices
• Biodiversity & Food Sovereignty
• Market Dynamics of Millets
• Millet-Based Nutrition Security

Global Context of Millet Production

Globally, millets are cultivated in over 30 million hectares, with Africa and Asia accounting for more than 90% of production. Key producers include Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, and India.

In India, millets have been an integral part of traditional diets, particularly in semi-arid regions. The major millet-producing states include Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. As of 2021, India dedicated approximately 9.76 million hectares to millet farming, accounting for 31.55% of global millet cultivation.

Millet Production Estimates (2023/2024):

• Global production: 30.9 million metric tons
• India: 12.84 million metric tons (42% of global production)
• Niger: 10%
• China: 9%

Nutritional and Health Benefits of Millets

Millets are recognized as functional foods due to their high fiber, rich micronutrient profile, and disease-preventive properties. Regular consumption can help in managing:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Obesity
• Digestive disorders

Key nutritional highlights:

• Rich in dietary fiber, promoting gut health
• High in tryptophan, boosting serotonin for mood regulation
• Niacin content helps lower cholesterol
• Gluten-free and non-allergenic, making them suitable for diverse dietary needs

Challenges in Millet Farming

Despite their benefits, millets face multiple challenges:

1. Low Yields and Profitability

• Millet yields are lower than rice and wheat, reducing profitability
• Limited market demand further affects farmer earnings

2. Pest and Disease Susceptibility

• Vulnerability to stem borers, downy mildew, and blast infections
• Lack of research in disease-resistant millet varieties

3. Post-Harvest Processing

• Traditional processing methods are labor-intensive
• Limited modern infrastructure in rural areas affects value addition

Policy Roadmap for Millet Promotion

To integrate millets into mainstream agriculture and food security programs, the following interventions are essential:

1. Government Policy Support

• Diversification of Public Food Programs to include millets
• Mandatory millet procurement under food security schemes
• Tax incentives for millet farming and processing industries

2. Strengthening Agricultural Infrastructure

• Implementation of Minimum Support Price (MSP) policies
• Subsidies for seeds, bio-fertilizers, and irrigation
• Expansion of climate risk insurance for millet farmers

3. Market Development & Global Trade

• Investment in millet-processing units and storage facilities
• Trade incentives for millet exports
• Digital platforms for direct farmer-market linkages

Conclusion: The Future of Millets in Global Food Security

Millets have the potential to transform global food systems by addressing:

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Climate change challenges
• Agricultural sustainability

To ensure long-term millet adoption, governments, researchers, and consumers must collaborate to promote production, processing, and consumption. Through targeted policy interventions, research investments, and consumer education, millets can evolve from an alternative grain to a global dietary staple.

Acknowledgments

This study is indebted to the contributions of experts, including:

• Dr. KPP Nambiar
• Dr. PO Abraham
• Mr. Ashok Nair
• Dr. BJ Meledom
• Dr. TA Varkey
• Mrs. Sreevarsha R.
• Mr. Nassar Ezhathinikkad
• Ms. Sofia MS

Special thanks to Prof. Dr. Popytchenko Lyudmila Mikhailovna for meticulous editing and Prof. Dr. Suparna Mukherjee for valuable field-level data. The insights from IIMR – Indian Institute of Millet Research and the works of Dr. Khadar Valli (“The Millets Man of India”) have been instrumental in shaping this research.

Deserving recognition as practitioners of millets for wellness:

• Mr. KP Kannan, former Director of ADB, Manila, provided constructive comments on the earlier draft.
• Prof. Dr. Popytchenko Lyudmila Mikhailovna meticulously edited the document.
• Prof. Dr. Suparna Mukherjee and her Millets Farming Groups in West Bengal, India, contributed valuable field-level data.
• The Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR), Hyderabad, India, provided rich literature support.
• Dr. Khadar Valli, known as “The Millets Man of India,” offered insightful perspectives through his books.

Footnote: One hectare is approximately equal to 2.471 acres.

Contact Information:

• Secretary General, Global Millets Foundation & Director, Sustainable Development Forum, India
  Email: melmana@gmail.com
  Website: globalmilletsfoundation.org
• Head of University, Russia
  Email: popytchenko@mail.ru

Millet Varieties:

• Foxtail Millet
• Little Millet
• Kodo Millet
• Barnyard Millet
• Brown Millet
• Top Millet
• Proso Millet