Millet Production and Exports from India

Abstract

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

Millet, a centuries-old traditional crop crucial for dry-land farmers, is hailed as a smart food.  Its integral role in regional diets has grown due to environment and lifestyle shifts, promoting reevaluation of millet’s production, processing, and utilization with a modern technological approach.

A. World’s Millet Production

Global millet cultivation fell 25.71% from 1961 to 2018, yet productivity rose 36%, notably in West Africa. India, the top producer (37.5% globally), faced reduced cultivation due to changing food habits. Despite a global decline in millet area, productivity increased, especially in Africa and Asia. Peak millet trade values were in 2011–2017 (imports: 155.26 million US$, exports: 127.60 million US$), reflecting shifts in agriculture, diets, and economics (www. Millet and  Millet Technology)

B. India’s Millet Production

India leads global millet production with varieties like Pearl Millet (Bajra) and Sorghum (Jowar), contributing 19% to world production in 2020. Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttarakhand collectively contribute 98% to India's millet production. Among these, Rajasthan holds the highest share at 28.61%. Pearl Millet, Sorghum, and Finger Millet dominate India's millet production landscape. (www.APEDA 2022)

C. Tamil Nadu’s Millet Production

 Tamil Nadu Millets Mission: The Tamil Nadu Millet Mission (2014-15) under NADP revitalized millet cultivation for smallholders. It doubled millet production and cultivation area, enhancing soil moisture conservation by 10% and improving soil health. The mission promoted technology, post-harvest practices, and sparked consumer demand, boosting farmer income and entrepreneurship. Awarded the Krishi Karman in 2014-15, it transformed fallow land, promoted drip irrigation, introduced new millet varieties, and encouraged crop diversification towards less water-intensive options. (www.The Hindu  Business line 2023)

D. Needs For Millets

 For centuries, millets have been staple foods in various rural and indigenous communities in India, with around ten different varieties cultivated across regions. The millet revolution aims to bring back traditional foods, support local farmers, and empower communities. It focuses on promoting millet varieties to enhance food sovereignty and preserve local food cultures. The movement supports small-scale and women farmers by sharing sustainable farming techniques through state-led initiatives.

II. REVIEW OF LIERATURE

G Basavaraj, P Parthasarathy Rao, Shraavya Bhagavatula and Wasim Ahmed,(2010), Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), valued for its resilience in challenging conditions, is extensively cultivated, particularly in developing nations, with India leading in production. Despite field surveys, a comprehensive study on industrial uses is crucial for tailored research. The findings reveal a decline in pearl millet consumption from 2000-2004 in urban and rural areas, with a minimal impact on high-income consumers. In recent years, it serves not only as a human staple but also finds utility in animal feed, adoptable alcohol, processed food, and more.

Srinivasan Nithiyanantham, Palanisamy Kalaiselvi,Mohammed Fawzi Monomodally, Gokhan Zengin, Arumugam Abirami, Gopalakrishnan Srinivasan, (2018),Millets, known for their nutrient richness and low glycemic index, offer various health benefits. Evidence suggests that their inclusion in the diet may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers. These high-energy foods address malnutrition and serve as a source of diverse bioactive compounds, acting as natural antioxidants.

Millets contribute to improved bone quality, preserving calcium concentration and enhancing antioxidant status, making them valuable for overall health.

K.N. Rai, C.L.L. Gowda, B.V.S. Reddy, and S. Sehgal (2008),Unrecorded rural wisdom encompasses valuable insights into the nutritional and health benefits of crops, along with diverse food product possibilities. Fermentation, a key topic, enhances nutritional quality and synthesizes vitamin B12 in sorghum through microorganisms. Additionally, dehulling, explored separately, improves sensory qualities in sorghum flat bread and reduces cooking time, enhancing volume and weight in rice-like dishes.

Pranita Patil, Sury Pratap Singh, Pankti Patel, (2023),Ragi, a versatile and resilient grain, thrives in harsh conditions, contributing to varied food supply and enhanced nutrition. Despite sensitivity in some, it's considered warming and least inflammatory. With superior nutrients, it persists mainly in specific cultivated areas.

Pradipta Banerjee and Sagar Maitra, (2020),Small millets, vital in tribal diets, serve as a staple food, during major crop fails to provide nutrition and sustainable cultivation. These nutrient-rich resources are potential nutraceutical sources, aiding in treating diabetes and obesity.

Conclusion

In summary, millet-based candies offer nutritional richness, unique flavors, and contribute to sustainable food choices. These ancient grains, including pearl millet, sorghum, and ragi, present an opportunity to enhance the nutritional profile of modern treats while promoting agricultural diversity.

References

[1] Punith Kumar1, Sonnad JS, Israrullah Yousafzai and Hanumantappa Jamanal(2023), Export performance and direction of trade of millets from India, International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development, Volume 6; Issue 1; Jan-Jun 2023; Page No. 91. [2] Rajendra Prasad Meena, Dinesh Joshi, J. K. Bisht & Lakshmi Kant, (01 July 2021), Global Scenario of Millets Cultivation, Millets and Millet Technology, pp 33–50. [3] Food and agriculture organization of the United Nations (2023). [4] Connect2India https://connect2india.com/global/Candy-export-from-india/1 (2022). [5] Gupta A, Mahajan V, Kumar M, Gupta HS(2009) https://www.indiastat.com/agriculture

Copyright

Copyright © 2024 Dr. GB. Karthikeyan , Gayathri . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.