Juhi Ranjan and Ramya C.S.
PhD Research Scholar, 
ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
Ramesh K. Sahni, Scientist, 
ICAR-CIAE, Bhopal


Introduction
Millets are small seeded coarse cereals, which originated in Asia /Africa. In a world grappling with the challenges of climate change, food security, and sustainable agriculture, millets have emerged as a beacon of hope. India, a land of diverse cultures and cuisines, has a rich history of millet cultivation dating back thousands of years. However, in recent decades, the cultivation of these drought-resistant, nutritious grains had been overshadowed by the dominance of rice and wheat. In this era of rapidly changing environmental and agricultural dynamics, millets are experiencing a renaissance in India. Millets grown in India include: major millets - sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra); and other small (minor) millets - finger millet (ragi), foxtail millet (Setaria italica), little millet (Panicum miliare Lamk.), proso millet (Panicum milliaceam), barnyard millet (Echichola frumentacra Link), brown-top millet (Urochloa ramosa) and kodo millet (Paspalum scobiculatum).As the country strives to ensure food security for its vast population while addressing the pressing need for sustainable agricultural practices, millets have stepped into the spotlight as an integral part of the solution. This article delves into the remarkable resurgence of millet production in India, exploring the multifaceted aspects of its cultivation, consumption, and the promising future it holds.

India is the world's largest millet producer, with cultivation spanning across 21 states within the country. Notably, regions such as Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Gujarat have emerged as significant hubs for millet cultivation. The total millet cultivation area in India encompasses approximately 12.45 million hectares, resulting in a production output of 15.53 million tonnes, with an average yield of 1247 kg per hectare. Within the spectrum of food grains grown in India, sorghum ranks fourth in terms of both cultivation area, covering 3.84 million hectares, and production, yielding 4.31 million metric tonnes.

Table 1: Area under cultivation, production, and yield of millets

Crop

Area (m ha)

Production(m tons)

Yield (kg per ha)

Sorghum(kharif)

1.76

1.58

967

Sorghum (Rabi)

3.07

2.73

1002

Sorghum (total)

4.83

4.31

989

Bajra

7.55

9.22

1374

Ragi

1.01

1.67

1747

Small millets

0.459

0.33

809

Total millets

13.83

15.53

1248

Source: Final Estimates-2021-22, DES, Government of India

Table 2: Different characteristics of millet (Yousaf et al.,2022 and Serna-Saldivar et al.,2019)

Millets

Seed type

Size

Shape

Colour

Sorghum

Caryopsis(pericarp strongly attached to the seed)

3-4 mm in diameter

round

White,Yellow, red or brown

Pearl millet

caryopsis

3-4 mm in length

ovoid

White, pale yellow, brown,grey, slate blue or purple

Finger millet

Utricle(pericarp attached to the seed at single point)

1-2 mm in diameter

spherical

Light brown to dark brown

Proso millet

Utricle

3 mm long and 2 mm in diameter

Spherical to oval

White, cream, yellow or orange

Kodo millet

caryopsis

1.2-9.5 µm long

Elliptical to oval shape

Blakish brown to dark brown

Barnyard millet

caryopsis

2-3 mm long

round

Straw white, grey, little to dull white

Little millet

caryopsis

1.8-1.9 mm in length

round

Grey to straw white

Foxtail millet

utricle

2 mm long

ovoid

Pale yellow to orange

Brown top millet

caryopsis

2 mm long

ellipsoid

Pale brown

Table 3: Nutritional composition of millets compared to wheat and rice

Grain

Carbohydrate (%)

Protein (%)

Fat(%)

Crude fibre(%)

Ash

(%)

Energy

(%)

Rice

78.2

6.8

0.5

0.2

0.6

345

Wheat

71.2

11.8

1.5

1.2

1.5

346

Sorghum

72.6

10.4

1.9

1.6

16

349

Pearl millet

67.5

11.6

5.0

1.2

2.3

361

Foxtail millet

60.9

12.3

4.3

8.0

3.3

331

Finger millet

72.0

7.3

1.3

3.6

2.7

328

Barnyard millet

65.5

6.2

2.2

9.8

4.4

307

Proso millet

70.4

12.6

1.1

2.2

1.9

341

Kodo millet

65.9

8.3

1.4

9.0

1.6

309

Little millet

67.0

7.7

4.7

7.6

1.5

341

Brown top millet

66.6

11.1

1.9

8.4

4.2

338














Source: Nutritive value of Indian Foods, National Institute of Nutrition 2017

Health Benefits of Millet
Millet, often referred to as a "nutrient powerhouse," offers a plethora of health benefits that make it a valuable addition to our diets. These ancient grains, cultivated for thousands of years, have recently regained popularity due to their impressive nutritional profile. Beyond its delightful nutty flavor and versatility in the kitchen, millet offers a wide array of health benefits that make it a valuable addition to any diet. Here are some of the major health benefits of millet:

Rich in Nutrients: Millet is a nutrient-dense grain packed with vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of B vitamins (especially niacin and thiamine), magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and iron. These nutrients are essential for various bodily functions, including energy metabolism, bone health, and red blood cell formation.

Gluten-Free: Millet is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It provides a safe alternative to wheat, barley, and rye while still offering a satisfying grain-based option.

High in Fiber: Millet is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health. Fiber aids in regular bowel movements, helps prevent constipation, and supports a healthy gut microbiome. Consuming fiber-rich foods like millet can contribute to better overall digestive well-being.

Weight Management: Due to its high fiber content and relatively low-calorie density, millet can help with weight management. Fiber helps control appetite by promoting a feeling of fullness, reducing the likelihood of overeating or snacking between meals.

Blood Sugar Regulation: Millet has a lower glycemic index compared to some other grains, meaning it has a gentler impact on blood sugar levels. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those looking to stabilize their blood sugar.

Heart Health: Millet is heart-friendly as it is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. The fiber in millet can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Antioxidant Properties: Millet contains various antioxidants, including phenolic compounds and flavonoids. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting overall health.

Bone Health: Millet is a good source of magnesium and phosphorus, both of which are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. These minerals, along with calcium, contribute to bone density and can help prevent conditions like osteoporosis.

Versatility in Cooking: Millet can be used in a wide range of recipes, from breakfast porridge to salads and side dishes. Its versatility allows you to incorporate this nutritious grain into your diet in various delicious ways.

Conclusion
The resurgence of millet production in India is not merely an agricultural revival; it is a powerful testament to our ability to nurture sustainable futures. Millets, often overlooked in favor of more popular grains, have emerged as a beacon of hope in our ever-evolving quest for sustainable agriculture and food security.As we have explored the vast expanse of millet cultivation across 21 states in India, from the arid fields of Rajasthan to the lush landscapes of Kerala, it becomes evident that millets are more than just crops. They represent resilience, adaptability, and an enduring connection between humans and the land.The health benefits of millets, their minimal water requirements, and their ability to thrive in diverse agro-climatic zones make them a vital component of India's agricultural landscape. Their low environmental impact, coupled with their nutritional richness, positions millets as a sustainable solution to feed our growing population while mitigating the impacts of climate change.Moreover, the diverse array of millet varieties cultivated in India, each with its unique flavor and nutritional profile, enriches our culinary heritage. They provide an opportunity to embrace local, sustainable, and diverse diets, contributing not only to our physical well-being but also to our cultural and gastronomic heritage.

Refrences
1. Bhatt, D., Fairos, M., & Mazumdar, A. (2022). Millets: nutritional composition, production and significance: a review. J Pharm Innov, 11, 1577-82.

2. Final Estimates-2021-22, DES, Government of India.

3. Nutritive value of Indian Foods, National Institute of Nutrition 2017.