Millets are predominantly cultivated in the semi-arid tropics of Asia and Africa. According to FAO statistics and a 2024 Springer Nature review on millets in the global market, developing countries account for 97% of world millet production. Global production reached 31.4 million tonnes in 2023.

Major millet-producing countries include:

India: The world's largest producer of millets, accounting for approximately 33–37% of global output, primarily pearl millet (Bajra) and sorghum (Jowar).

Nigeria: A leading producer in sub-Saharan Africa, growing predominantly pearl millet and sorghum as dietary staples.

Niger and Mali: Major Sahelian producers where millet forms the primary caloric staple for millions.

China: Significant producer of foxtail millet and proso millet, historically cultivated for over 8,000 years.

United States: Produces approximately 358,000 tonnes annually, largely for animal feed and export.

Ethiopia: A key producer of teff and finger millet in the Horn of Africa.

Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Senegal: Important regional producers of pearl millet in West Africa.