Millet Production Research Articles

Millets and Indigenous Food Systems in Indian Subcontinent: Revitalization, Resilience and Sovereignty

Millet serves as a nutritional powerhouse, brimming with minerals, protein, beneficial fats, calcium, and an array of vital nutrients. Of all the millet varieties, Ragi takes the lead with its remarkable calcium content. Millets play a pivotal role in promoting good health, exhibiting the capacity to combat a range of diseases, even including cancer. Furthermore, these grains are highly recommended for individuals dealing with diabetes, forming a valuable part of the diet for diabetic patients. Presently, millet cultivation spans across 131 nations, with India prominently positioned as a frontrunner, contributing 41% to the global millet production. Remarkably, India's stature extends further as it clinches the fifth spot among the world's millet exporters. Noteworthy is the fact that in December 2018, India's proposal for designating 2023 as the International Year of Millets was embraced by the FAO, subsequently declared in March 2023. This paper delves into a comprehensive exploration of millets, encompassing their definition, a nutritional juxtaposition with cereals, accrued health advantages, contribution of millet production to the attainment of SDGs, a comprehensive overview of millet's cultivation landscape concerning geographical extent, production, productivity, and export trends. Additionally, a substantial focus is dedicated to elaborating on the significance and implications of the International Year of Millets, reflecting India's proactive role in enhancing global awareness about these grains.

Evaluation of Local Community Perceptions Regarding Household Vulnerability to Food Insecurity in North ‘B’ Unguja District

This study focuses on addressing food insecurity in a rural community by improving millet production and mitigating vulnerability factors. It adopts a cross-sectional household-based design, concentrating on North B District in the North Unguja region, known for its significant food shortages. Employing a mixed research methodology encompassing both quantitative and qualitative techniques, information was gathered from household heads. Probability was utilized to select 100 households from two wards and two villages. Triangulation techniques were implemented to ensure the validity of the data, integrating questionnaire surveys with key informant interviews. Subsequently, data were analyzed using SPSS, incorporating descriptive statistics alongside tests like chi-square, t-test, and ANOVA. The results reveal that factors such as small farm plots, dependence on singular income streams, limited livestock ownership, and inadequate millet reserves are significant contributors to food insecurity. Proposed interventions include promoting more efficient farming practices and sustainable agriculture. Future studies should focus on evaluating intervention effectiveness and exploring additional strategies to enhance food security and livelihoods in rural communities.

Assessing the effects of plant density and nitrogen on millet yield in Southern Niger using the CERES-millet model

BackgroundThe dryland production environments in Niger Republic (Niger) generate variable crop production risks that reduce crop yields and increase regional food insecurity. Optimal combinations of crop varieties and management are needed to maximize crop water-limited yields in these environments.MethodsIn this study, we calibrated and validated the CERES-Millet model using data from field experiments. Seasonal analysis (1984–2020) was carried out in 18 selected sites across the three agroecological zones (AEZs) to test the effects of plant density and N fertilization on grain yield. The treatment included five different plant densities (1.5, 3, 6, 9, and 12 plants m−2) and four N rates (0, 20, 40, and 60 kg N ha−1). Three millet varieties (CHAKTI, HKP, and SOSAT-C88) were compared. Millet production risk was assessed at each AEZ using cumulative probability distribution graphs. The acceptable grain yield required to compensate for the minimum production cost of millet in Niger was set to 975 kg ha−1 (75th percentile of the simulated data).ResultsThe CERES-Millet model reasonably reproduced number of days to flowering (d-index > 0.50; RMSE < 2 days), number of days to maturity (d-index > 0.50; RMSE < 2 days), and grain yield d-index > 0.78; RMSE < 100 kg ha−1) for all the three varieties. The results showed that there was significant response to N (40 – 110% yield increase following N application) and plant density (30–80% yield increase by increasing density above 1.5 plants m−2) in all the AEZs depending on variety. The SOSAT was the most responsive variety to N application and plant density in all AEZs. Under low N application (0–20 kg ha−1) and low (1.5—3 plants m−2) to moderate plant density (6 plants m−2), CHAKTI and HKP had the highest production risks. Increasing N application above 20 kg ha−1 mitigate these risks where grain yield was above the 975 kg ha−1 threshold representing the minimum production cost for millet in more than 50% of the years under all plant densities except in Sahel where this threshold was only achieved in < 20% of the years. In all AEZs, increasing plant density above 6 plants m−2 increases this risk under low to moderate N application, but the downside risk was mitigated when N was applied at high rates.ConclusionThis study demonstrated N application rate and plant density recommendations must be tailored to specific variety and AEZs to maximize grain yield and reduce volatility in Niger.

Optimizing canopy spacing configuration enhances foxtail millet grain yield and water productivity by improving stalk lodging resistance in the North China Plain

Optimizing canopy spacing configuration can enhance resources utilization, supporting robust growth and dry matter production, while mitigating the risk of lodging and improving crop yield and quality. However, research specifically addressing optimal canopy spacing configurations for foxtail millet remains limited. Over a two-year period, a field experiment in the North China Plain assessed the impacts of four-row spacing configurations (T0: 40 + 40 cm; T1: 30 + 50 cm; T2: 20 + 60 cm; T3: 10 + 70 cm), to investigate the effects of row spacing configuration on lodging resistance, canopy spatial configuration, stem characteristics, yield, and water productivity (WP) of foxtail millet, aiming to elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Row spacing configurations significantly influenced lodging resistance, yield, and WP. Under T1, improvements were observed in stem morphology and mechanical properties, particularly in the 2nd-6th basal internodes (I2-I6). The light interception rate in T1 at wide rows in the middle canopy (30–90 cm aboveground) increased by 97.89 %, compared to T0. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling revealed that improved light interception in wide rows in the middle canopy contributed to a rise in diameter and dry plumpness of I2. This, in turn, promoted greater breaking resistance of I2 and tensile resistance, ultimately reducing the lodging likelihood. Simultaneously, the decrease in lodging resulted in higher yield and WP at yield level of foxtail millet. Therefore, T1 demonstrated the lowest lodging rate (67.34 %–91.92 % lower than T0), and the highest yield and WP at yield level (4.10 %–8.03 % and 20.79 %–22.46 % higher than T0). Optimizing canopy spacing configuration is essential for cultivating high-yielding and water-efficient foxtail millet populations. The results indicated that the 30 + 50 cm row spacing configuration improves light distribution in the middle canopy, enhancing lodging resistance and consequently increasing both yield and WP. This research offers a theoretical foundation for foxtail millet breeding and agronomic practices to achieve lower lodging rate, higher yields, and enhanced WP in the North China Plain.

Can site-specific nutrient management improve the productivity and resource use efficiency of climate-resilient finger millet in calcareous soils in India?

Finger millet, an important ‘Nutri-Cereal’ and climate-resilient crop, is cultivated as a marginal crop in calcareous soils. Calcareous soils have low organic carbon content, high pH levels, and poor structure. Such a situation leads to poor productivity of the crop. Site-specific nutrient management (SSNM), which focuses on supplying optimum nutrients when a crop is needed, can ensure optimum production and improve the nutrient and energy use efficiency of crops. Moreover, developing an appropriate SSNM technique for this crop could offer new insights into nutrient management practices, particularly for calcareous soils. A field experiment was conducted during the rainy seasons of 2020 and 2021 in calcareous soil at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, India. The experiment consisted of 8 treatments, viz. control, nitrogen (N)/phosphorus (P)/potassium (K)-omission, 75 %, 100 %, and 125 % recommended fertilizer dose (RFD), and 100 % recommended P and K + 30 kg ha−1 N as basal + rest N as per GreenSeeker readings. From this study, it was observed that the GreenSeeker-based SSNM resulted in the maximum grain yield (2873 kg ha−1), net output energy (96.3 GJ ha−1), and agronomic efficiency of N (30.6 kg kg−1), P (68.9 kg kg−1), and K (68.9 kg kg−1). The application of 125 % RFD resulted in ∼7 % lower yield than that under GreenSeeker-based nutrient management. Approximately 12 % greater energy use efficiency and 21–36 % greater nutrient use efficiency were recorded under GreenSeeker-based nutrient management than under 125 % RDF. The indigenous supplies of N, P, and K were found to be 14.31, 3.00, and 18.51 kg ha−1, respectively. Thus, 100 % of the recommended P and K + 30 kg ha−1 N as basal + rest N according to GreenSeeker readings can improve the yield, nutrient use efficiency, and energy balance of finger millet in calcareous soils.

Selenium enhancement strategy under precise fertilization in foxtail millet rhizosphere

Enhancing selenium content in millet is a crucial strategy to address malnutrition due to selenium deficiency. Jingu 21 was used as the experimental material in this study. The effects of selenium fertilizer application amount, vertical position of fertilization, and horizontal position of fertilization on the selenium content in various millet organs were assessed using a three-factor, five-level quadratic rotation combination design. The results indicate that selenium fertilizer application amount, vertical fertilization position, and horizontal fertilization position significantly affected the selenium content in various millet organs. Analysis of the selenium accumulation for different millet organs show that the recommended optimal agronomic strategy for producing selenium-enriched millet comprises a selenium fertilizer application amount ranging from 100.65 to 120.15 kg/hm2, a vertical fertilization position of 10.28–11.76 cm, and a horizontal fertilization position of 6.74–7.29 cm. This study elucidates the patterns of selenium content accumulation under precise fertilization measures of millet and provides valuable insights for implementing selenium enhancement techniques in the production of selenium-enriched millet.

Comparative Multi-Omics Analysis of Broomcorn Millet in Response to Anthracocystis destruens Infection.

Anthracocystis destruens is the causal agent of broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum) smut disease, which results in serious yield losses in broomcorn millet production. However, the molecular basis underlying broomcorn millet defense against A. destruens is less understood. In this study, we investigated how broomcorn millet responds to infection by A.destruens by employing a comprehensive multi-omics approach. We examined the responses of broomcorn millet across transcriptome, metabolome, and microbiome levels. Infected leaves exhibited an upregulation of genes related to photosynthesis, accompanied by a higher accumulation of photosynthesis-related compounds and alterations in hormonal levels. However, broomcorn millet genes involved in immune response were downregulated post A. destruens infection, suggesting that A.destruens may suppress broomcorn millet immunity. In addition, we show that the immune suppression and altered host metabolism induced by A.destruens have no significant effect on the microbial community structure of broomcorn millet leaf, thus providing a new perspective for understanding the tripartite interaction between plant, pathogen, and microbiota.

Development and Evaluation of Calcium-Fortified Multi-Millet Biscuits: A Nutritious Alternative to Refined Wheat Flour.

Millet products have garnered global recognition for their exceptional nutritional profile, appealing to various age demographics, and, therefore, fortifying such products with minerals can ensure nutritional security. This research explores the feasibility of utilizing millet as a substitute for refined wheat flour in biscuit production. Three distinct millet varieties were investigated: finger, pearl, and buckwheat. Employing response surface methodology (RSM), the optimal ratio of these flours was determined, resulting in a blend of 1.5:1:1, respectively. The optimized multi-millet biscuits were further enhanced with calcium fortification and subjected to comprehensive physico-chemical analysis. Proximate composition analysis revealed favorable levels of protein (5.472 ± 0.31%), ash (2.80 ± 0.57 g/100 g), and energy density (5.8015 ± 0.004 kcal/g), indicating a significantly higher protein content, enriched mineral profile, and high energy density as compared to refined wheat flour products. Sensory evaluation encompassing attributes such as color and texture and organoleptic assessment using a nine-point hedonic scale demonstrated favorable acceptance. Additionally, the overall acceptability of the biscuits remained consistently high throughout storage, ranging from 8.263 ± 0.65 (day 0) to 8.053 ± 0.85 (day 14). This study underscores the potential of multi-millet biscuits as a nutritious and palatable alternative to traditional wheat-based snacks, offering an avenue for diversifying dietary options and promoting healthier food choices.

Omics-driven utilization of wild relatives for empowering pre-breeding in pearl millet.

Pearl millet wild relatives harbour novel alleles which could be utilized to broaden genetic base of cultivated species. Genomics-informed pre-breeding is needed to speed up introgression from wild to cultivated gene pool in pearl millet. Rising episodes of intense biotic and abiotic stresses challenge pearl millet production globally. Wild relatives provide a wide spectrum of novel alleles which could address challenges posed by climate change. Pre-breeding holds potential to introgress novel diversity in genetically narrow cultivated Pennisetum glaucum from diverse gene pool. Practical utilization of gene pool diversity remained elusive due to genetic intricacies. Harnessing promising traits from wild pennisetum is limited by lack of information on underlying candidate genes/QTLs. Next-Generation Omics provide vast scope to speed up pre-breeding in pearl millet. Genomic resources generated out of draft genome sequence and improved genome assemblies can be employed to utilize gene bank accessions effectively. The article highlights genetic richness in pearl millet and its utilization with a focus on harnessing next-generation Omics to empower pre-breeding.

Millet based Nutritious Powder for the Geriatric Population

Objective: This study aimed to utilize finger millet as a primary ingredient for creating nutritious millet powder suitable for hot beverages. Desiccated coconut was incorporated for color enhancement. The optimization process involved sensory evaluation and trials on a laboratory scale. Three variations of millet products and two recipes were developed: one for a beverage made by mixing millet (Ragi/ Finger millet) nutritious powder with hot water, and another for millet nutritious halua powder fortified with nutrients. Additionally, a millet nutritious powder based on Pearl millet was formulated for easy consumption by the ageing population.  Methods: The study involved the preparation and experimentation of three types of millet nutritious powder, derived from finger and pearl millet, targeting the nutritional needs of ageing individuals. Age-related challenges such as esophagus stenosis were taken into account during formulation. The viscosity graphs were utilized to refine the texture of the food, ensuring ease of swallowing. Laboratory-scale trials and benchtop sensory evaluations were conducted to optimize the formulations. The acceptability of the beverages was assessed using a 9-point hedonic scale.  Results: The formulated millet nutritious powders demonstrated excellent nutrient composition, with calcium content exceeding three times that of a cup of milk. The halua powder exhibited low viscosity, high solubility, and excellent swallowing properties. The optimized beverages achieved a total acceptability score exceeding 7 on the hedonic scale, indicating favourable consumer reception. The study successfully developed three variants of millet nutritious powder tailored for aging individuals, addressing concerns related to swallowing difficulties and offering a comfortable dietary option.  Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing finger and pearl millet to create nutritious powders suitable for hot beverages, particularly catering to the dietary needs of the aging population. The formulations offer a convenient and easily consumable option for individuals facing challenges with chewing solid food. Moreover, the affordability and widespread accessibility of the developed food products make them suitable for diverse populations, highlighting their potential for addressing nutritional needs on a broader scale.

Impact of Crop Production on Economic Growth in Nigeria, 1981 – 2018

This study examined the impact of crop production on economic growth in Nigeria utilizing annual time series data from 1981 to 2018. The study used Johansen cointegration test, Vector Error Correction test, the impulse response functions and variance decomposition for data analysis after the data series were checked against unit root problem using the Augmented Dickey Fuller unit root test. The study tested and found that increase in the production of cassava, cocoyam, groundnut, guinea corn, maize, millet, rice and yam spurs economic growth in Nigeria in the long-run except for cotton production and with only groundnut production contributing significantly to the output of the Nigerian economy in the short- run. The study, therefore recommends that the Nigerian government should encourage farmers in the production of crops through supply of fertilizer to increase their productivity and food output while improving their use of modern seedlings and technology in the production that may in turn increase the crop production while farmers should be encouraged to adapt best practices in farming to maximize crop yield.

Modern and conventional processing technologies and their impact on the quality of different millets.

Millet, the highly sustainable crop for farming and combating hunger, has recently regained a resurgence in popularity as people seek more sustainable and nutrient-dense alternatives. International organizations and research institutions have advocated for increased millet production and consumption by introducing novel technologies and machinery in response to global food security and climate change challenges. This review aims to identify the impact of modern and conventional processing technologies on the quality of different millets. A comprehensive analysis of research reviews reveals that double-stage and tabletop centrifugal dehullers, infrared roasting, pulsed light, ultrasound, high-pressure processing methods, fortification, and encapsulation are optimal for nutrient retention in various millets. Extrusion technology application in millet processing has created a diverse range of value-added products with extended shelf stability. Emphasis is needed to develop robust promotion and distribution channels and establish an export promotion forum involving all stakeholders to promote and diversify millet-based products and technologies.

Seed productivity of rod-shaped millet depends on ripeness groups of varieties

Seed productivity of rod-shaped millet depends on ripeness groups of varieties

Constraints in production of finger millet

Constraints in production of finger millet

Effect of foliar supplementation of N, P and K on nutrient dynamics and productivity of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

A field experiment was conducted at Bikaner, Rajasthan during rainy (kharif) season of 2016 to study the effect of foliar supplementation of N, P and K on nutrient content, uptake and productivity of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. emend Stuntz]. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications. The treatments comprised 14 combinations of N, P and K applied through basal application, foliar application and top-dressing. The results revealed that, application of N, P and K through foliar supplementation significantly influenced the nutrient content and uptake in pearl millet. Application of 75% RDF of N (50% basal + 25% top-dressing at 25 DAS) : P : K + 1.5% spray of NPK (18:18:18) at 35 DAS resulted in maximum crude protein content (11.58%), total N uptake (70.7 kg/ha), total P uptake (13.1 kg/ha), total K uptake (74.0 kg/ha), ear-head length (32.4 cm), grain weight per ear-head (23.3 g), grain yield (2.13 t/ha), biological yield (6.88 t/ha) and B:C ratio (2.16) under hot arid conditions of western Rajasthan.

A Review on Its Characterization, Processing, Applications and Health Benefits of Pearl Millet Protein

Millets have more minerals and vitamins. They have a greater potential to health benefit, fodder, nutrition, livelihood, fibre, and the environment than rice and wheat do. because Millet is a popular seed crop all over the world due to its high amount of micro and macro nutrients such as fibre, protein, vital fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. One of the most significant grains in the world and a significant food crop is pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.). The UN recently declared 2023 as the "International Year of Millet." This review was written with the intention of giving a brief review of the studies on the characterization, preparation, applications, and health benefits of millet-based proteins because grains are the majority of people's main source of nutrition and protein is the 2nd most abundance macronutrient in millet, suggesting that these cereals may be acceptable substitutes for plant-based protein. This knowledge will be crucial in finding research holes that prevent millet proteins from reaching their full potential. Researchers and the food business can use this information further to comprehend the variety of millet proteins that can be used as ingredients in the creation of novel cuisines. In order to increase millet production in India, the study concluded that the right trends, characterization, processing, food applications and health benefits should be provided.

Post-harvest monitoring and crop production assessment in Nertiti locality of Central Darfur State-Sudan

Crop productivity has declined all over the world due to weak investments in agricultural research, which negatively impact food production as well as food security situation. The purpose of this study is to explore the connection between post-harvest monitoring and food production security in Nertiti locality of Central Darfur state during 2012/2103 cropping rainy season. Descriptive statistical analysis by using Statistical Package for the Several Sciences (SPSS) was run. Three villages (Eraideeba, Salakoya and Rijlaldelaiba) were randomly selected. A total of 1600 (men &amp; women) of beneficiary household head were targeted in the entire study area. Clustered random sampling technique applied. Crop harvest chick list and Focus Group Discussion were administered at the beneficiary and community level for planted areas, agricultural production and the effect on food and seed security. Due to, 20 households head randomly selected from each village. A total of 60 household head (40 men and 20 women) selected for chick list in addition to 15 household head for Focus Group discussion (10 men and 5 women) to represent the whole study area. Results of Statistical analysis related to crop yields indicated that the average yields of sorghum, millet and groundnut among improved seeds beneficiary managed farms exceed other traditional farms by 22%, 47% and 55%. Production at community level revealed that, Rijalldelaiba village gave highest millet production (1740 metric tons), Salakoyaproduced1409.4 metric tons of sorghum and Eriadeeba village gave 456 metric tons ofgroundnuts. Households also assessed that, their cultivated area increased by 33%, 50% same, while 17% said decreased. Group discussion and individual interview results related to food security and crop utilization showed that, food and seed security for 12 month is good, production covers consumption food for 8-12 month, the adopted coping strategies for the remaining 4 month were livestock sale, daily labor, migration, firewood collection, charcoal and bricks making. Regarding the crop utilization, the majority of respondents reported that, 50% left their by-products on the field, 27% used as animal fodder and 23% stored. A focus group discussion result addresses constraints of, problems of security, storage facilities, packing materials, marketing problems, extension services and inadequate improved seeds. Monitoring reached recommendation of, provision of improved seeds, training, marketing facilities and packing inputs.

Hydrothermal Treatment: A Critical Research on Improving Milling Efficiency Using the Parboiling Process for Pearl Millet

Hydrothermal treatment, particularly through the parboiling process, has emerged as a critical method for enhancing milling efficiency in pearl millet. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the various aspects related to parboiling as a means to improve the quality and yield of milled pearl millet grains. The study begins by elucidating the significance of milling efficiency in pearl millet processing, considering its nutritional value and widespread consumption in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. It then delves into the principles underlying the parboiling process, including soaking, steaming, and drying stages, and their impact on the physicochemical properties of millet grains. Key factors influencing milling efficiency, such as soaking temperature, duration, and steaming conditions, are thoroughly examined based on recent research findings and empirical evidence. The study highlights the critical role of gelatinization in starch transformation, protein denaturation, and fiber preservation during the parboiling process, contributing to improved milling outcomes. Furthermore, the review explores the effects of parboiling on reducing grain breakage, enhancing milling yield, and minimizing nutrient losses, thereby optimizing the overall milling efficiency of pearl millet. It discusses the implications of parboiling on nutritional quality, food safety, and economic viability, underscoring its potential to address challenges in millet processing and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The study concludes by outlining future research directions and practical considerations for optimizing the parboiling process in pearl millet production. It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer to realize the full benefits of hydrothermal treatment in improving milling efficiency and enhancing the value chain of pearl millet. In summary, this critical review provides valuable insights into the role of parboiling as a transformative technique for enhancing milling efficiency in pearl millet processing, offering implications for research, policy, and practice in the domains of food security, nutrition, and agricultural development.

Potassium humate supplementation improves photosynthesis and agronomic and yield traits of foxtail millet

Foxtail millet is a highly nutritious crop, which is widely cultivated in arid and semi-arid areas worldwide. Humic acid (HA), as a common plant growth regulator, is used as an organic fertilizer and feed additive in agricultural production. However, the impact of potassium humate KH on the photosynthetic rate and yield of foxtail millet has not yet been studied. We explored the effects of KH application on the morphology, photosynthetic ability, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, and yield of foxtail millet. A field experiment was performed using six concentrations of KH (0, 20, 40, 80, 160, and 320 kg ha−1) supplied foliarly at the booting stage in Zhangza 10 cultivar (a widely grown high-yield variety). The results showed that KH treatment increased growth, chlorophyll content (SPAD), photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), and stomatal conductance (Gs). In addition, soluble protein content, sugar content, and nitrate reductase activity increased in KH-treated plants. With increased KH concentration, the effects became more evident and the peak values of each factor were achieved at 80 kg ha−1. Photosynthetic rate showed significant correlation with SPAD, Tr, Gs, and soluble protein content, but was negatively correlated with intercellular CO2 concentration. Compared to that of the control, the yield of foxtail millet under the T2, T3, T4, and T5 (40, 80, 160, and 320 kg ha−1 of KH) treatments significantly increased by 6.0%, 12.7%, 10.5%, and 8.6%, respectively. Yield exhibited a significant positive correlation with Tr, Pn, and Gs. Overall, KH enhances photosynthetic rate and yield of foxtail millet, therefore it may be conducive to stable millet production. These findings may provide a theoretical basis for the green and efficient production of millet fields.

The Economics of Millets in India

The article presents a compelling argument for reevaluating the role of millet production in India's economy. Millet, with its historical significance dating back to ancient civilizations and its inherent environmental resilience, indeed offers a promising avenue for sustainable agriculture in regions with limited water resources. The fact that millets require minimal inputs underscores their potential as economically efficient crops. However, despite these advantages, millets have fallen into obscurity in the 21st century. Understanding the reasons behind this downtrend and analysing the potential for revitalizing millet production is crucial. The economic rationale presented in the article sheds light on the opportunities and scope for leveraging millets to drive economic development, particularly in the Indian context. By conducting a theoretical and economic analysis based on secondary data, the article aims to uncover the underlying economic dynamics of millet production. This analytical approach provides insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with reintegrating millets into India's agricultural landscape, the article highlights the importance of reassessing the role of millet production in India's economy. By recognizing the economic potential of millets and addressing the barriers to their cultivation and consumption, policymakers can harness this ancient grain to foster sustainable agricultural practices and drive economic development.