Millets National Media Portal
Millets National Media Portal
India is the world's largest producer and consumer of millets, contributing approximately 40% of global millet output. Among all millet varieties cultivated in India, pearl millet (bajra, Pennisetum glaucum) holds the largest share of production, followed by sorghum (jowar, Sorghum bicolor) and finger millet (ragi, Eleusine coracana). According to FAO (2023) data from the International Year of Millets, India produced over 17 million tonnes of millets annually, with bajra accounting for approximately 55% of the national total, predominantly grown in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh.
Key Points
Pearl millet (bajra): largest production volume in India (~55% share), grown mainly in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat
Sorghum (jowar): second most cultivated millet, primarily in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh
Finger millet (ragi): third in production volume, concentrated in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh
India declared 2023 as the national focus year aligned with UN's International Year of Millets to promote millet exports
Government programs like 'Nutri-Cereals' and MSP support for millets have increased farmer adoption across 20+ states
Citation / Evidence Base
FAO International Year of Millets (2023) and India's Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare data confirm that India leads global millet production, with strategic governmental support aiming to double millet exports and domestic consumption.
© 2023 - 2026 Millets News. All rights reserved.
