Millets have played a vital role in India’s agriculture and cuisine for centuries. These drought-resistant and nutritious grains, including pearl millet, foxtail millet, and finger millet, are grown across the country, especially in semi-arid regions. Millets’ resurgence in recent years has been driven by their health benefits and potential to combat food insecurity.

What are Millets in India?

Millets are highly nutritious and are rich in protein, dietary fibre, minerals, and vitamins. They are also gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, making them a good choice for people with gluten intolerance or diabetes. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in millets due to their nutritional value and climate-resilient properties.

List of Millets in India

What are Major Millets in India?

India has a rich diversity of millet varieties, some of which are as follows:

• Sorghum (Jowar): This is the most widely grown millet in India and is used for both human consumption and livestock feed. Sorghum is drought-tolerant and can grow in poor soil conditions.
• Pearl Millet (Bajra): This is a nutritious and hardy crop that can grow in dry and hot conditions. It is used for human consumption and animal feed.
• Finger Millet (Ragi): This is a rich source of calcium and other minerals and is used for making porridge, roti, and other traditional dishes.
• Foxtail Millet (Kangni): This is a drought-tolerant crop that is used for making roti, upma, and other dishes.
• Little Millet (Kutki): This is a small-grained millet that is rich in fiber and protein. It is used for making porridge, pulao, and other dishes.
• Kodo Millet (Kodon): This is a nutrient-dense millet that is used for making porridge, upma, and other dishes.
• Barnyard Millet (Sanwa): This is a drought-tolerant millet that is used for making porridge, khichdi, and other dishes.
• Proso Millet (Chena): This is a fast-growing and drought-tolerant millet that is used for making porridge and other dishes.

Where is Millet Grown in India?

Millet is grown in many parts of India, and it is an important staple food for millions of people. The following are some of the major millet-growing regions in India:

• Maharashtra Maharashtra is one of the leading millet-producing states in India. It is the largest producer of pearl millet (bajra) in the country and also grows other millets such as sorghum (jowar) and finger millet (ragi).
• Karnataka Karnataka is another major millet-producing state in India, with finger millet (ragi) being the most widely grown millet variety. Other millets grown in the state include foxtail millet (kangni) and pearl millet (bajra).
• Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu is known for its traditional cuisine that features a variety of millets. Finger millet (ragi) is the most widely grown millet variety in the state, but other millets such as little millet (kutki) and pearl millet (bajra) are also grown.
• Andhra Pradesh and Telangana These states are major producers of pearl millet (bajra) and sorghum (jowar). Finger millet (ragi) is also grown in some parts of the states.
• Rajasthan Rajasthan is the second-largest producer of millets in India, with pearl millet (bajra) being the most widely grown millet variety in the state. Other millets grown in the state include sorghum (jowar) and finger millet (ragi).
• Gujarat Gujarat is known for its production of sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), and finger millet (ragi).
• Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh is a major producer of pearl millet (bajra), with other millets such as finger millet (ragi) and foxtail millet (kangni) also grown in some parts of the state.

These are some of the major millet-growing regions in India, but millets are also grown in other parts of the country, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand.

Government Measures to Increase Millets in India

Apart from increasing millet production in India, the Government of India has taken several measures to increase the cultivation and consumption of millets in the country. Some of these measures include:

Promotion of Millets through Policy Measures

The Indian government has recognized the potential of millets to improve food and nutritional security and has included millets in various policy documents, such as the National Food Security Act, 2013 and the National Nutrition Strategy, 2017. The government has also included millets in various schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, and the National Food Processing Policy, among others.

Setting up Millet Parks

The Indian government has set up millet parks in several states to promote the cultivation and consumption of millets. These parks showcase the different types of millet, their nutritional benefits, and the various value-added products that can be made from millet.

Increasing Research and Development

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and other research institutions have increased their focus on millets and are developing new varieties of millets that are more productive, disease-resistant, and have better nutritional qualities.

Awareness and Promotion

The Indian government is conducting awareness campaigns to educate farmers and consumers about the benefits of millet. The government is also promoting millets through events such as the National Millets Fair and other food festivals.

Encouraging Entrepreneurship

The government has set up various entrepreneurship schemes to encourage farmers and entrepreneurs to take up millet cultivation and value addition. This includes schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana and the Start-up India scheme.

Overall, the Indian government is taking several measures to promote the cultivation and consumption of millets in the country to improve food and nutritional security and to promote sustainable agriculture.

Advantages of Government Millets in India

Government millets in India have several advantages, including

• Nutritional Benefits: Millets are rich in nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, making them ideal for people with gluten intolerance, diabetes, and other health conditions.
• Climate Resilience: Millets are drought-tolerant and can grow in poor soil conditions, making them a climate-resilient crop. They require less water and inputs than other crops, making them ideal for small and marginal farmers.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Millet cultivation promotes sustainable agriculture practices, such as crop rotation and intercropping, which improves soil health and reduces the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
• Income Generation: Millets are a versatile crop that can be used for food, feed, and industrial purposes. Millet cultivation and value addition provide income-generation opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs.
• Food Security: Millets are a staple food in several parts of India, especially in the dryland regions. Promoting millet cultivation and consumption can improve food and nutritional security, particularly among vulnerable communities.
• Conservation of Biodiversity: Millets are an important source of genetic diversity, and promoting their cultivation can contribute to the conservation of agro biodiversity.

Millets in India

Research Centers in India