“Millets” refers to a group of small-seeded grasses, widely grown as cereal crops in dry areas in temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions. Notable varieties of millets found in India include ragi (finger millets), jowar (sorghum), sama (small millets), moti millets (pearl millets) and variga (proso millets). These cereals were among the earliest domesticated plants for human consumption, with evidence of cultivation in the Indus Valley Civilization.
Globally, millets are cultivated in about 131 countries, serving as a staple food for about 600 million people in Asia and Africa. India is the leading producer of millet worldwide, contributing 20% of global production and 80% of production in the whole of Asia.
Nigeria and China collectively contribute more than 55% of the world’s millet production.
Importance of Millets
Climate Resilience and Water Efficiency: Millets are drought resistant, thriving in arid conditions or water-scarce areas, making them ideal for regions with unpredictable weather patterns.
Nutritional Richness: Millets are highly nutritious, providing a rich source of dietary fiber, protein, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, millets have a low glycemic index, making them an excellent dietary choice for managing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of diabetes.
Adaptability: Able to grow in a variety of soils and climates, millets offer farmers a flexible crop option for diverse agricultural systems.
Sustainability: Traditionally cultivated in less resource-intensive and more environmentally friendly ways than modern industrial practices, millets contribute to sustainable agriculture initiatives.
Obstacles in increasing the cultivation and consumption of Millets
The constraints impeding the expansion of cultivation and consumption of coarse grains are multi-faceted, affecting both the supply and demand sides of the market:
Reduction in cultivable land: From a mammoth 35 million hectares, land devoted to coarse grain cultivation has declined to only 15 million hectares. Several factors are responsible for this change, including low yields and the intensive labour required to process the coarse grains – a task that is predominantly performed by women. Additionally, only a minimal portion of the coarse grains produced is processed into value-added products or enter the market.
Low productivity: In recent years, the productivity of different types of coarse grains, including sorghum (jowar), has declined significantly, production of pearl millets (mota anaaj) has remained stagnant, and production of other millets such as finger millets (ragi) has remained stagnant or is experiencing a decline.
Lack of awareness: Despite its health benefits, millets suffer from a lack of awareness among the Indian population, which contributes to its low demand. High cost: Compared to more commonly consumed cereals such as rice and wheat, millets often come at a higher price, making them less affordable for lower-income groups.
Access issues: The limited presence of millets in traditional and modern retail channels, including e-commerce platforms, poses challenges for consumer access.
Taste perceptions: Some consumers are put off by the perceived taste of millets, perceiving them as bland or less palatable than other cereals.
Agronomic limitations: Millet cultivation is often associated with low yields and profitability, discouraging farmers from opting for millet cultivation.
Competition from staple foods: In India, the widespread availability and dominant position of rice and wheat outcompete millets, making market competition for these nutritious cereals fierce.
Inadequate Government Support: The lack of adequate government support in promoting the cultivation and consumption of coarse grains further limits the growth and acceptance of coarse grains.
Related Initiatives Taken by the Government: The government of India’s efforts to promote coarse grains includes a wide range of initiatives aimed at increasing production, access, and consumption, reflecting the importance of the crop for nutrition, health, and sustainable agriculture.
National Food Security Mission – Nutri Cereals (NFSM-Nutri Cereals): Implements interventions to promote coarse grains production and productivity. This includes a demonstration of improved agricultural practices, distribution of seeds and micronutrients, setting up of seed centers, and training of farmers in modern agricultural techniques.
National Mission for Millets (NMM): Established in 2007, NMM aims to promote both the production and consumption of various millets across the country, ensuring that they play a vital role in the agricultural economy and diet of the country.
State-specific coarse cereals missions: Launched by states like Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar will promote coarse cereals in their jurisdictions.
Minimum Support Price (MSP): Fixed for major coarse cereals like jowar, millets, and ragi to ensure that millets are produced at affordable prices.
To ensure that farmers get proper compensation, significant quantities of these coarse grains have been procured by the Government in the last five years.
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Launched by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries in June 2022 to promote the production of coarse grain-based products.
Inclusion in National Nutrition Programmes: Millets have been included under the Poshan Abhiyaan by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, and guidelines have been revised by the Ministry of Food and Public Distribution to increase millets procurement under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Mid-Day Meal programs.
Promotion of Organic Farming: Promoting organic farming methods to increase the production and consumption of organic millet, enhancing their appeal among health-conscious consumers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of the Millets Mission as a boon for 2.5 crore marginal farmers, the first government effort since Independence to meet the needs of millet-producing farmers. He also inaugurated the Global Millets (Shri Ann) Conference, underscoring India’s leadership in the global campaign on millets and celebrating the United Nation’s designation of 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets’.
Price Support Scheme (PSS): The scheme provides financial incentives to millet farmers, thereby providing them economic stability and encouragement to continue cultivating millets amidst market fluctuations.
Development of Value-Added Products: By promoting the manufacture of value-added millet-based products, this initiative seeks to increase the demand and consumption of millet, making them a more integral part of the culinary landscape.
Way Forward
Adequate public support
To make millet farming attractive to small farmers, especially those living in challenging terrains such as hilly areas and dry plains, it needs to be made economically viable.
Government policies play a key role here, providing subsidies, ensuring fair market prices, and integrating millets into the Public Distribution System (PDS). This not only makes farming viable for farmers but also supports nutritional security across diverse populations.
Awareness and Education
Raising awareness about the health benefits and environmental benefits of millet is important. Educational campaigns and promotional activities can significantly influence dietary choices.
The “International Year of Millets 2023” by the United Nations initiated by India is a prime example of efforts to increase global awareness and acceptance of millets.
Availability and Access
Increasing the market presence of millets and ensuring that they are easily accessible to consumers is essential to promote consumption. This includes increasing their visibility in both traditional markets and modern retail outlets. This objective can be achieved by setting up millet centers and promoting millets in urban areas.
Affordability
Addressing the price sensitivity of millet is important to make it accessible to low-income groups. Implementing government subsidies or market interventions to reduce prices can make millet a competitive alternative to more common cereals such as rice and wheat.
Changing perceptions
Concrete marketing efforts are needed to rebrand millet from being viewed as “poor man’s food” to a nutritious, healthy option. Highlighting the palatability of millets and their role in contemporary, health-conscious diets can change consumer perceptions.
Processing and value-added products
Innovations in processing technologies and the development of millets-based value-added products are important to enhance consumer appeal. The introduction of a variety of millet-based foods in the market can meet diverse taste preferences and dietary needs.
Collaboration
Creating a thriving millet ecosystem requires a collaborative approach involving farmers, processors, marketers, and policymakers. This includes sharing best practices, facilitating market access, and promoting innovation in millet-based products.