Sustainability of India’s Millet Business

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM) at its 75th session. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is the lead agency for celebrating IYM, in partnership with other relevant stakeholders. It is undoubtedly an opportunity to enhance the awareness of direct policy attention to millet’s nutritional and health benefits among consumers. It also highlights millet’s suitability for cultivation in dryland agricultural systems, contributing to around 64% of the gross cropped area and 44% of the food crop production.

India contributed 41% to the global production of millet and emerged as its largest producer, while African countries occupy the second position in the pie. India has outperformed its competitors in exports as well.