MILLET PRODUCTION IN INDIA-AN UPDATE

Most of the millets have evolved to thrive in diverse environment. Millets are now considered as environmentally, economically and ecologically friendly sources of food and nutrition. India leads global millet production, contributing 40% (approx. 11.57-17.24 million metric tons) to total output, with Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Karnataka as top producers. Around 154 varieties of millets (Sorghum – 43; Pearl millet – 52; Little millet – 11; Proso millet – 4; Kodo millet – 4; Fnger millet – 28, Foxtail millet – 8; Barnyard millet – 4) have been released in India from 2014 to 2021. In India, the top five states that produce millets are Rajasthan (bajra / sorghum), Karnataka (jowar / ragi), Maharashtra (ragi / jowar), Uttar Pradesh (bajra) and Haryana (bajra). Other millets such as Tef (Eragrostis tef) and Fonio (Digitaria exilis) are grown in countries such as Ethiopia, Eritrea, Australia, West Africa, Sudan, Nigeria, Togo, Senegal and Mali for food grain and fodder. Millets contain high amount of proteins, fibre, B-complex vitamins, micronutrients, trace elements, phyto-nutrients including phytic acid that have the capacity to lower cholesterol and phytate, which are associated with reducing the risk of cancer.