Millet Production and Consumption in India: Where Do We Stand and Where Do We Go?

Abstract

Millets are sustainable options to achieve food and nutritional security. Millets cultivated and consumed traditionally in India exhibited a decline in area and production except for bajra. These crops are getting wide attention because of their health benefits and environment-friendly nature. This study examines if the supply would be sufficient to meet the demands in the near future while also analyzing the trends in the area, production, productivity, and consumption of millets in India at the national and state level. The study indicates that there will be a surplus in the case of bajra and small millets, while in the case of jowar and ragi there will be a net deficit in the coming years which is a matter of concern. There is a scope for augmenting the production in the short run by improving the productivity without increasing the area through popularizing new varieties, expanding certified seed distribution, and improving crop management practices.