Millets in India: Production, Consumption and Impact on Food Security

Abstract

Millets are a rich source of nutrients and these are hardy crops as well. The cultivation of millet has declined in the country since the government focused on fine cereals and suitable policies were not there for millets. The study focused on the area, production and productivity of jowar, bajra, ragi and small millets. The largest producing states of small millets, jowar, bajra and ragi are Uttarakhand, Maharashtra Rajasthan and Karnataka, respectively. From 1950-2021 the area under small millets, jowar, bajra and ragi has declined with CAGR of -3.60 %, -1.86 %, -1.27 % and -0.60%, respectively. The production of the small millets and jowar has declined with growth rates of -2.89% and -0.63 %, respectively. Production of bajra showed a growth rate 0.12 % per annum from 1950-51 to 2020-21 and ragi production increased with growth rate of 1.68%. Decomposition analysis indicated that production of ragi and bajra increased due to the yield effect and that of jowar and small millets increased due to areas effect. The consumption of these millets in the rural as well urban area has declined over the years. Thus, there is need of promoting awareness among the farmers and consumers about the importance of millets in a healthy diet which could increase their demand and consumption. This can be done through various means such as training programs, workshops, and awareness campaigns. The government could provide incentives and subsidies to farmers to encourage the cultivation of small millets.