The Rise of Millets: Securing Food and Economic Stability Globally

 

 

 

The global recognition of millets' multifaceted potential as a transformative force in enhancing economic and nutritional security for smallholder farmers is growing. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 exacerbated global undernutrition, highlighting the urgent need for resilient food sources. Millets, a group of small-seeded grasses deeply rooted in Indian agriculture and culture, have historically ensured food security across diverse agroclimatic regions.

In India, there is a renewed interest in millets driven by their nutritional benefits and climate resilience. As of 2021, India led the world in millet acreage with 9.76 million hectares, followed by Niger (6.14 million hectares) and Sudan (2.8 million hectares). Millet cultivation requires fewer inputs, making it environmentally sustainable and economically viable for smallholder farmers. The health benefits associated with millet consumption and their potential for value addition are increasingly attractive in the global market.

Policy initiatives such as India's "Millets And Other Ancient Grains International Research Initiative (MAHARISHI)," proposed during the 2023 G20 Summit, aim to revitalize millet cultivation worldwide. Strengthening the millet value chain through infrastructure development, market linkages, and capacity building can further enhance the profitability and sustainability of millet farming, ensuring food security and economic resilience for smallholder farmers globally.

Millets are recognized as a cornerstone of sustainable development, often hailed as the "crop of the future". They play a pivotal role in lifting smallholder farmers out of poverty by ensuring economic security through efficient production and diverse marketing of millet products. Moreover, millets contribute significantly to addressing nutritional security by offering highly nutritious and varied dietary options.

Government policies like RKVY and MAHARISHI have been instrumental in revitalizing millet production nationwide. These initiatives empower smallholder farmers to achieve self-sufficiency while educating them about the manifold advantages of millet cultivation. With such proactive measures in place, there is a palpable sense of optimism for a prosperous future ahead