Trend Analysis of Area, Production and Productivity of Nutri-Cereals (Pearl Millet and Sorghum) in Maharashtra, India: Navigating Challenges for Food Security and the Way Out

Abstract

Millets are renowned for their resilience to climate, as they can endure challenging environmental conditions. Maharashtra, known for its agriculture-based economy, faces the challenge of 24% of its land being prone to drought. Despite this, the state has enormous agricultural growth potential and is a major millet producer in India. Being a climate-resilient crop, there is a huge scope for area expansion under millet cultivation in the state. The present article investigates the current trend in area, production and productivity of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) in Maharashtra by using the Exponential Compound Annual Growth Rate (Exponential CAGR) approach. The present study reveals that the area and production of both millets in Maharashtra state are on a decreasing trend. Both millets production experienced negative growth rates, with a CAGR of −3.89% for sorghum and −2.56% for pearl millet. The present study has the potential to determine the current state of production and productivity of both millets in the state, which will help policymakers and researchers develop strategies to boost millet production in Maharashtra in the coming years.