“India’s Millets Revolution: 2023 Declared the ‘International Year of Millets’ as Demand Soars”
With the United Nations declaring 2023 as the “International Year of Millets,” India is positioning itself as a global leader in millet production and consumption. Millets, such as ragi, jowar, and bajra, are nutrient-dense grains that thrive in arid and semi-arid conditions, making them highly suitable for India’s diverse climate. Known for their high fiber, protein, and mineral content, millets are becoming popular in urban and international markets as healthy alternatives to rice and wheat.
To capitalize on the increased demand, the Indian government is investing in research and development for high-yield millet varieties and promoting millet-based products through schemes like the National Food Security Mission. Additionally, India is working on creating more millet processing units, launching awareness campaigns, and increasing millet availability in government food distribution systems to boost domestic consumption.
Millet farming is also seen as an environmentally sustainable option, requiring less water and fewer pesticides than other grains. Farmers across states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan are seeing increased profits as the domestic and export markets for millet expand. This “Millet Revolution” not only strengthens India’s food security but also offers a sustainable and nutritious solution to address global food challenges, positioning India as a leading supplier in the global millet market.