India produces all the nine commonly known millets and is the largest producer and fifth-largest exporter of millets in the world.
Pompa Sen
Most of the states in India grow one or more millet crop species. India recorded 27 percent growth in millet production in 2021-22 as compared to millet production in the previous year was 15.92 MMT.
Pearl millet (60%) followed by Sorghum (27%), Finger millet (11%) and Small millets (2%) are the major millets produced in India (as per the 4th Advance estimate 2021-22).
The major millets producing states in India are Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Under National Food Security Mission (NFMS) programme, the NFSM-Nutri Cereals is being implemented in 212 districts of 14 states.
India has more than 500 Start-ups working in the millet value-added chain, while Indian Institute of Millets Research has incubated 250 Start-ups under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana - Raftar.
India exported millet products worth USD 34.32 million during 2021-22. In 2020-21, India exported millets worth USD 26.97 million against USD 28.5 million in 2019-20.
According to 2020 data, India’s millets exports have continuously increased at around 3 per cent CAGR in the last five years ending with 2020.
India’s major millet exporting countries are U.A.E, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Oman, Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen, U.K and U.S.A. The varieties of millets exported by India include Bajra, Ragi, Canary, Jawar, and Buckwheat.
Asia and Africa are the major production and consumption centres of millet crops. India, Niger, Sudan and Nigeria are the major producers of millet.
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