The International Year of Millets in 2023 underscored the historical and cultural importance of millets in India. While once dietary staples, millets like pearl millet, finger millet, sorghum, and foxtail millet have witnessed declining cultivation. The renewed interest stems from their potential to address food security, nutritional deficiencies, and environmental challenges.

Potentials of Millets in India

• Nutritional Security: Rich in fibre, iron, calcium, and essential micronutrients, contributing to overall health.

• Example, finger millet (7.8g protein per 100g), can bridge India's significant protein deficiency (20.2% population affected).

• Agricultural Resilience: Millets' drought-tolerant nature is crucial for India's vast drought-prone areas (68% of land).

• Example, Bajra, requiring 50% less water than rice, and thriving in less fertile soils, promotes sustainable agriculture.

• Environmental Sustainability: Millets exhibit a lower carbon footprint (0.7-1.2kg CO2 per kg) compared to major cereals (rice: 4.8kg CO2 per kg).

• Their cultivation supports sustainable water management and soil conservation.

Challenges associated with Millet

• Low Yields: Millet yields average 800-1000 kg/hectare, compared to 4000-5000 kg/hectare for rice and wheat (FAO, 2023).
• Processing and Value Addition: Limited millet processing units (700) hinder transformation into consumer-friendly products.
• Example, Processing Gap- India has a processing capacity of just 10% of its millet production, leading to post-harvest losses and limited availability (NITI Aayog, 2022).
• Low Awareness: Only 20% of urban Indian households consume millet regularly, compared to 80% consuming rice and wheat (ICRISAT, 2023).

• Price Barrier: Millets cost 15-20% more than rice or wheat, impeding affordability and accessibility (Millet Foundation, 2024).

• Pest Vulnerability: Millets face significant losses due to pests like stem borers and shoot flies, reducing productivity (ICRISAT, 2023).
• MSP Disparity: The minimum support price (MSP) for millets is 20-30% lower than for rice and wheat, disincentivizing farmers (Government of India, 2024).

• Research Funding: Only 1% of India's agricultural research budget is allocated to millets (ICRISAT, 2023).

Policy Measures

• Campaigns and Education: Launch nationwide awareness campaigns highlighting the health benefits, cultural significance, and culinary versatility of millets. Partner with celebrities, nutritionists, and chefs to promote their unique appeal.
• Branding and Marketing: Develop innovative brands and marketing strategies to position millets as a premium, healthy, and sustainable food choice. Partner with restaurants and supermarkets to offer millet-based products and highlight their nutritional value.
• Value Addition and Convenience: Invest in processing technologies and research to develop convenient and diverse products like ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and flour. Make millets easily accessible in supermarkets and online platforms.
• Research and Development: Focus on developing high-yielding, pest-resistant, and water-efficient millet varieties through public and private investments in research. Promote climate-resilient cropping practices for sustainable production.
• Minimum Support Prices (MSP): Increase MSPs for millets to close the gap between rice and wheat, incentivizing farmers to switch to millet cultivation.

• Investment in Infrastructure: Allocate greater public and private funds to develop processing facilities, cold chain infrastructure, and rural transportation networks to support millet production and marketing.
• Addressing Social Stigma via Success Stories and Role Models: Share stories of successful millet farmers and entrepreneurs to inspire others and demonstrate the economic viability of cultivating and marketing millets.
• Promote Organic Farming: Encourage farmers to adopt organic farming practices for millet cultivation, which improves soil health, reduces water consumption, and minimizes environmental impact.

Millets offer a compelling solution to address India's food security, nutritional challenges, and environmental concerns. By capitalizing on their potential, addressing market barriers, and implementing supportive policies, India can position millets as key contributors to a more sustainable and resilient food system for the nation's future.