Kurukshetra Magazine August 2023 - 3 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


Kurukshetra       August  2023 44
Urvashi Prasad
y declaring 2023 as ‘The International 
Year of Millets', the United Nations 
General Assembly has set the tone for 
promoting millets across the world. Millet is a common 
term to categorise small-seeded grasses that are often 
termed nutri-cereals or dryland-cereals and includes 
Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet (Bajra), Finger Millet 
(Ragi), Little Millet (Kutki), Foxtail Millet (Kakun), Proso 
Millet (Cheena), Barnyard Millet (Sawa), Kodo Millet 
(Kodon) and other millets. 
Millets: Key Properties and Benefits
1
Millets are nutritionally superior to wheat and 
rice owing to their higher levels of protein with a more 
balanced amino acid profile. Similarly, the dietary 
fiber content of millet is higher compared to some 
of the staple cereals. Millets also contain various 
B
phytochemicals that exert therapeutic properties 
owing to their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative 
properties. Millet grains are rich sources of nutrients 
like carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, and good-
quality fat. They also have substantially higher amounts 
of minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, 
manganese, zinc, and B complex vitamins, making them 
a preferable choice over cereal grains. 
Millets can help tackle health challenges such as 
obesity, diabetes, and lifestyle problems as they are 
gluten-free and have a low glycemic index. A study was 
undertaken by ICRISAT across four countries, involving 
nearly 1,000 children, adolescents, and adults, to 
understand the impact of the inclusion of millets in 
the diet. The researchers found that millets increased 
haemoglobin levels by as much as 13.2%. Serum ferritin 
The author has been writing extensively on health and food sectors and is Director in the office of Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog. 
Email: urvashi.prasad@nic.in
Widely recognised as ‘smart food’ or 
‘super food’, millets play a crucial role 
in transforming agri-food systems, 
across the globe. They play a pivotal 
role in creating sustainable and 
nutrient sensitive food value chains, 
as they are rich in nutrients, carbon 
neutral, and resource efficient.
Shree Anna for Nutritional Wellbeing Shree Anna for Nutritional Wellbeing
Page 2


Kurukshetra       August  2023 44
Urvashi Prasad
y declaring 2023 as ‘The International 
Year of Millets', the United Nations 
General Assembly has set the tone for 
promoting millets across the world. Millet is a common 
term to categorise small-seeded grasses that are often 
termed nutri-cereals or dryland-cereals and includes 
Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet (Bajra), Finger Millet 
(Ragi), Little Millet (Kutki), Foxtail Millet (Kakun), Proso 
Millet (Cheena), Barnyard Millet (Sawa), Kodo Millet 
(Kodon) and other millets. 
Millets: Key Properties and Benefits
1
Millets are nutritionally superior to wheat and 
rice owing to their higher levels of protein with a more 
balanced amino acid profile. Similarly, the dietary 
fiber content of millet is higher compared to some 
of the staple cereals. Millets also contain various 
B
phytochemicals that exert therapeutic properties 
owing to their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative 
properties. Millet grains are rich sources of nutrients 
like carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, and good-
quality fat. They also have substantially higher amounts 
of minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, 
manganese, zinc, and B complex vitamins, making them 
a preferable choice over cereal grains. 
Millets can help tackle health challenges such as 
obesity, diabetes, and lifestyle problems as they are 
gluten-free and have a low glycemic index. A study was 
undertaken by ICRISAT across four countries, involving 
nearly 1,000 children, adolescents, and adults, to 
understand the impact of the inclusion of millets in 
the diet. The researchers found that millets increased 
haemoglobin levels by as much as 13.2%. Serum ferritin 
The author has been writing extensively on health and food sectors and is Director in the office of Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog. 
Email: urvashi.prasad@nic.in
Widely recognised as ‘smart food’ or 
‘super food’, millets play a crucial role 
in transforming agri-food systems, 
across the globe. They play a pivotal 
role in creating sustainable and 
nutrient sensitive food value chains, 
as they are rich in nutrients, carbon 
neutral, and resource efficient.
Shree Anna for Nutritional Wellbeing Shree Anna for Nutritional Wellbeing
45 Kurukshetra       August  2023
has been shown to increase by an average of 54.7% due 
to millet consumption. Ferritin is an iron-containing 
protein in the blood and a clinical marker for iron 
deficiency.
Widely recognised as ‘smart food’ or ‘super food’, 
millets play a crucial role in transforming agri-food 
systems, across the globe. They play a pivotal role in 
creating sustainable and nutrient sensitive food value 
chains, as they are rich in nutrients, carbon neutral, and 
resource efficient. They are also widely used for human 
consumption, animal fodder, and other untapped 
markets like biofuels and fermentation. 
Millets are the backbone of dry-land agriculture. 
They are hardy, resilient crops that have a low carbon 
and water footprint, can withstand high temperatures, 
grow on poor soils with little or no external inputs, and 
are therefore termed  ‘miracle grains’ or ‘crops of the 
future’. They are the most secure crops for small farmers 
as they are the hardiest, most resilient, and climate- 
adaptable in harsh, hot (up to 50 degrees Celsius) and 
drought-prone environments. Further, millet production 
is not dependent on the use of chemical fertilisers. 
These crops do not attract pests, and a majority of 
millets are not affected by storage pests. These crops 
will be the sustainable food source of the future amidst 
worsening climatic conditions.
Millets in India have been given the identity of 
‘Shree Anna’. As highlighted by the Hon’ble Prime 
Minister, ‘Shree Anna’ means a door to prosperity 
for small farmers of the country; ‘Shree Anna’ means 
forebearer of nutrition for crores of people of the 
country; ‘Shree Anna’ means welfare of the tribal 
society of the country; ‘Shree Anna’ means more crop 
yield with less water; ‘Shree Anna’ means chemical-
free farming; ‘Shree Anna’ means a way to tackle the 
challenge of climate change.
The latest research by Ruth DeFrieset et al. reveals 
that ‘Jowar is India's sustainable alternative to Wheat 
in the face of climate challenges’. The research paper
2
  
titled, ‘Climate resilience of dry season cereals in India’, 
published in Nature’s Scientific Reports examined the 
sensitivity of wheat and Jowar yields to increases in 
temperature and compared water requirements under 
different scenarios. The research revealed that ‘Wheat 
is highly sensitive to increases in maximum daily 
temperature in its multiple stages of growth during 
the post-monsoon, dry winter season. In comparison, 
Jowar is able to handle increases in temperature with 
far less impact on yields. In addition, wheat requires 1.4 
times more water than Jowar owing to the extension of 
its growth cycle into the summer. With future climate 
projections, this study argues that without pragmatic 
changes in managing how wheat is cultivated in India, 
it is likely that the yields will decrease by 5 per cent 
coupled with a significant increase in the water footprint 
by 2040. Jowar, in that case is India’s best bet with its 
meagre 4 per cent increase in the water footprint with 
the same climatic projections. A renewed focus on jowar 
also aligns with the sharpened focus of the Government 
on millets for nutrition and climate resilience, besides 
much-needed emphasis on protection for marginal 
farmers in the Indian context.’
Overview of India’s Millet Sector
3
 
India produces all nine commonly known millets. It 
is the fifth-largest exporter of millets in the world. Most 
States in India grow one or more millet crop species. 
India grows over 17 million tons (MT) of millet, which 
amounts to 80% of Asia’s and 20% of global production. 
India recorded 27 per cent growth in millet production 
in 2021-22 over the previous year. Pearl Millet (60%) 
followed by Sorghum (27%), Finger Millet (11%) and 
Small Millets (2%) are the major varieties produced in 
India. The major millet producing States are Rajasthan, 
Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, 
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, 
and Telangana.
India exported millet products worth USD 34.32 
million during 2021-22 compared to USD 26.97 million in 
2020-21 and USD 28.5 million in 2019-20. The countries 
to which India predominantly exports millets are the 
Page 3


Kurukshetra       August  2023 44
Urvashi Prasad
y declaring 2023 as ‘The International 
Year of Millets', the United Nations 
General Assembly has set the tone for 
promoting millets across the world. Millet is a common 
term to categorise small-seeded grasses that are often 
termed nutri-cereals or dryland-cereals and includes 
Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet (Bajra), Finger Millet 
(Ragi), Little Millet (Kutki), Foxtail Millet (Kakun), Proso 
Millet (Cheena), Barnyard Millet (Sawa), Kodo Millet 
(Kodon) and other millets. 
Millets: Key Properties and Benefits
1
Millets are nutritionally superior to wheat and 
rice owing to their higher levels of protein with a more 
balanced amino acid profile. Similarly, the dietary 
fiber content of millet is higher compared to some 
of the staple cereals. Millets also contain various 
B
phytochemicals that exert therapeutic properties 
owing to their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative 
properties. Millet grains are rich sources of nutrients 
like carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, and good-
quality fat. They also have substantially higher amounts 
of minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, 
manganese, zinc, and B complex vitamins, making them 
a preferable choice over cereal grains. 
Millets can help tackle health challenges such as 
obesity, diabetes, and lifestyle problems as they are 
gluten-free and have a low glycemic index. A study was 
undertaken by ICRISAT across four countries, involving 
nearly 1,000 children, adolescents, and adults, to 
understand the impact of the inclusion of millets in 
the diet. The researchers found that millets increased 
haemoglobin levels by as much as 13.2%. Serum ferritin 
The author has been writing extensively on health and food sectors and is Director in the office of Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog. 
Email: urvashi.prasad@nic.in
Widely recognised as ‘smart food’ or 
‘super food’, millets play a crucial role 
in transforming agri-food systems, 
across the globe. They play a pivotal 
role in creating sustainable and 
nutrient sensitive food value chains, 
as they are rich in nutrients, carbon 
neutral, and resource efficient.
Shree Anna for Nutritional Wellbeing Shree Anna for Nutritional Wellbeing
45 Kurukshetra       August  2023
has been shown to increase by an average of 54.7% due 
to millet consumption. Ferritin is an iron-containing 
protein in the blood and a clinical marker for iron 
deficiency.
Widely recognised as ‘smart food’ or ‘super food’, 
millets play a crucial role in transforming agri-food 
systems, across the globe. They play a pivotal role in 
creating sustainable and nutrient sensitive food value 
chains, as they are rich in nutrients, carbon neutral, and 
resource efficient. They are also widely used for human 
consumption, animal fodder, and other untapped 
markets like biofuels and fermentation. 
Millets are the backbone of dry-land agriculture. 
They are hardy, resilient crops that have a low carbon 
and water footprint, can withstand high temperatures, 
grow on poor soils with little or no external inputs, and 
are therefore termed  ‘miracle grains’ or ‘crops of the 
future’. They are the most secure crops for small farmers 
as they are the hardiest, most resilient, and climate- 
adaptable in harsh, hot (up to 50 degrees Celsius) and 
drought-prone environments. Further, millet production 
is not dependent on the use of chemical fertilisers. 
These crops do not attract pests, and a majority of 
millets are not affected by storage pests. These crops 
will be the sustainable food source of the future amidst 
worsening climatic conditions.
Millets in India have been given the identity of 
‘Shree Anna’. As highlighted by the Hon’ble Prime 
Minister, ‘Shree Anna’ means a door to prosperity 
for small farmers of the country; ‘Shree Anna’ means 
forebearer of nutrition for crores of people of the 
country; ‘Shree Anna’ means welfare of the tribal 
society of the country; ‘Shree Anna’ means more crop 
yield with less water; ‘Shree Anna’ means chemical-
free farming; ‘Shree Anna’ means a way to tackle the 
challenge of climate change.
The latest research by Ruth DeFrieset et al. reveals 
that ‘Jowar is India's sustainable alternative to Wheat 
in the face of climate challenges’. The research paper
2
  
titled, ‘Climate resilience of dry season cereals in India’, 
published in Nature’s Scientific Reports examined the 
sensitivity of wheat and Jowar yields to increases in 
temperature and compared water requirements under 
different scenarios. The research revealed that ‘Wheat 
is highly sensitive to increases in maximum daily 
temperature in its multiple stages of growth during 
the post-monsoon, dry winter season. In comparison, 
Jowar is able to handle increases in temperature with 
far less impact on yields. In addition, wheat requires 1.4 
times more water than Jowar owing to the extension of 
its growth cycle into the summer. With future climate 
projections, this study argues that without pragmatic 
changes in managing how wheat is cultivated in India, 
it is likely that the yields will decrease by 5 per cent 
coupled with a significant increase in the water footprint 
by 2040. Jowar, in that case is India’s best bet with its 
meagre 4 per cent increase in the water footprint with 
the same climatic projections. A renewed focus on jowar 
also aligns with the sharpened focus of the Government 
on millets for nutrition and climate resilience, besides 
much-needed emphasis on protection for marginal 
farmers in the Indian context.’
Overview of India’s Millet Sector
3
 
India produces all nine commonly known millets. It 
is the fifth-largest exporter of millets in the world. Most 
States in India grow one or more millet crop species. 
India grows over 17 million tons (MT) of millet, which 
amounts to 80% of Asia’s and 20% of global production. 
India recorded 27 per cent growth in millet production 
in 2021-22 over the previous year. Pearl Millet (60%) 
followed by Sorghum (27%), Finger Millet (11%) and 
Small Millets (2%) are the major varieties produced in 
India. The major millet producing States are Rajasthan, 
Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, 
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, 
and Telangana.
India exported millet products worth USD 34.32 
million during 2021-22 compared to USD 26.97 million in 
2020-21 and USD 28.5 million in 2019-20. The countries 
to which India predominantly exports millets are the 
Kurukshetra       August  2023 46
U.A.E, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Oman, Egypt, Tunisia, 
Yemen, the U.K and the U.S.A. The major varieties of 
millets exported by India include Bajra, Ragi, Canary, 
Jawar, and Buckwheat. The major millet-importing 
countries in the world are Indonesia, Belgium, Japan, 
Germany, Mexico, Italy, the U.S.A, the United Kingdom, 
Brazil and the Netherlands. India could look to grow 
its millet exports further by focusing on the markets in 
these countries. 
Government Initiatives to Promote Millets
4
India is taking wide-ranging steps to popularise the 
production, consumption, and export of millets in the 
country. The Government notified millets as nutri-cereals 
in April 2018. Efforts have been made at every level - 
from raising awareness among farmers to developing a 
market for millets. While millets are cultivated in around 
12 States across India, their consumption was less than 
2-3 kg per person per month. This has now increased 
to 14 kg per month. There has also been a 30% rise in 
the sale of millet-based products in the country. Millets 
have now become popular on social media and in cafes. 
At least 19 districts have chosen millets under the ‘One 
District, One Product’ scheme. 
Under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), 
awareness is being created among farmers about 
millets through demonstrations and training. The 
growing market for millets will directly benefit the 2.5 
crore small farmers who are involved in its production. 
Their income levels will rise, and the rural economy 
overall will gain tremendously. From villages, millets are 
reaching malls, markets, and stores across India. Self-
help groups are also engaged in making millet products. 
Food Producer Organisations are also coming forward. 
The result is that the supply chain for millet products is 
getting built and strengthened across India, which will 
not only help farmers but also create jobs. 
Farmers growing millets are supported by the 
remunerative Minimum Support Price (MSP) and 
procurement. During the Kharif season of 2021-22, 
6.29 lakh tonnes of coarse cereals like Bajra, Jowar, 
Maize and Ragi were procured by the Government in 
Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, 
Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh. The 
procurement of millets is expected to double at 13.56 
lakh tonnes, during the year 2022-23 to give further 
impetus to millet farmers. There has been a significant 
rise in the MSP of millets as shown in the charts below.
The Government is popularising millets through 
research and development support. Additionally, 
support is being provided to start-ups and entrepreneurs 
for developing recipes and value-added products that 
promote the consumption of millets. India has more 
than 500 start-ups working in the millet value-added 
chain. The Indian Institute of Millets Research has 
Page 4


Kurukshetra       August  2023 44
Urvashi Prasad
y declaring 2023 as ‘The International 
Year of Millets', the United Nations 
General Assembly has set the tone for 
promoting millets across the world. Millet is a common 
term to categorise small-seeded grasses that are often 
termed nutri-cereals or dryland-cereals and includes 
Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet (Bajra), Finger Millet 
(Ragi), Little Millet (Kutki), Foxtail Millet (Kakun), Proso 
Millet (Cheena), Barnyard Millet (Sawa), Kodo Millet 
(Kodon) and other millets. 
Millets: Key Properties and Benefits
1
Millets are nutritionally superior to wheat and 
rice owing to their higher levels of protein with a more 
balanced amino acid profile. Similarly, the dietary 
fiber content of millet is higher compared to some 
of the staple cereals. Millets also contain various 
B
phytochemicals that exert therapeutic properties 
owing to their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative 
properties. Millet grains are rich sources of nutrients 
like carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, and good-
quality fat. They also have substantially higher amounts 
of minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, 
manganese, zinc, and B complex vitamins, making them 
a preferable choice over cereal grains. 
Millets can help tackle health challenges such as 
obesity, diabetes, and lifestyle problems as they are 
gluten-free and have a low glycemic index. A study was 
undertaken by ICRISAT across four countries, involving 
nearly 1,000 children, adolescents, and adults, to 
understand the impact of the inclusion of millets in 
the diet. The researchers found that millets increased 
haemoglobin levels by as much as 13.2%. Serum ferritin 
The author has been writing extensively on health and food sectors and is Director in the office of Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog. 
Email: urvashi.prasad@nic.in
Widely recognised as ‘smart food’ or 
‘super food’, millets play a crucial role 
in transforming agri-food systems, 
across the globe. They play a pivotal 
role in creating sustainable and 
nutrient sensitive food value chains, 
as they are rich in nutrients, carbon 
neutral, and resource efficient.
Shree Anna for Nutritional Wellbeing Shree Anna for Nutritional Wellbeing
45 Kurukshetra       August  2023
has been shown to increase by an average of 54.7% due 
to millet consumption. Ferritin is an iron-containing 
protein in the blood and a clinical marker for iron 
deficiency.
Widely recognised as ‘smart food’ or ‘super food’, 
millets play a crucial role in transforming agri-food 
systems, across the globe. They play a pivotal role in 
creating sustainable and nutrient sensitive food value 
chains, as they are rich in nutrients, carbon neutral, and 
resource efficient. They are also widely used for human 
consumption, animal fodder, and other untapped 
markets like biofuels and fermentation. 
Millets are the backbone of dry-land agriculture. 
They are hardy, resilient crops that have a low carbon 
and water footprint, can withstand high temperatures, 
grow on poor soils with little or no external inputs, and 
are therefore termed  ‘miracle grains’ or ‘crops of the 
future’. They are the most secure crops for small farmers 
as they are the hardiest, most resilient, and climate- 
adaptable in harsh, hot (up to 50 degrees Celsius) and 
drought-prone environments. Further, millet production 
is not dependent on the use of chemical fertilisers. 
These crops do not attract pests, and a majority of 
millets are not affected by storage pests. These crops 
will be the sustainable food source of the future amidst 
worsening climatic conditions.
Millets in India have been given the identity of 
‘Shree Anna’. As highlighted by the Hon’ble Prime 
Minister, ‘Shree Anna’ means a door to prosperity 
for small farmers of the country; ‘Shree Anna’ means 
forebearer of nutrition for crores of people of the 
country; ‘Shree Anna’ means welfare of the tribal 
society of the country; ‘Shree Anna’ means more crop 
yield with less water; ‘Shree Anna’ means chemical-
free farming; ‘Shree Anna’ means a way to tackle the 
challenge of climate change.
The latest research by Ruth DeFrieset et al. reveals 
that ‘Jowar is India's sustainable alternative to Wheat 
in the face of climate challenges’. The research paper
2
  
titled, ‘Climate resilience of dry season cereals in India’, 
published in Nature’s Scientific Reports examined the 
sensitivity of wheat and Jowar yields to increases in 
temperature and compared water requirements under 
different scenarios. The research revealed that ‘Wheat 
is highly sensitive to increases in maximum daily 
temperature in its multiple stages of growth during 
the post-monsoon, dry winter season. In comparison, 
Jowar is able to handle increases in temperature with 
far less impact on yields. In addition, wheat requires 1.4 
times more water than Jowar owing to the extension of 
its growth cycle into the summer. With future climate 
projections, this study argues that without pragmatic 
changes in managing how wheat is cultivated in India, 
it is likely that the yields will decrease by 5 per cent 
coupled with a significant increase in the water footprint 
by 2040. Jowar, in that case is India’s best bet with its 
meagre 4 per cent increase in the water footprint with 
the same climatic projections. A renewed focus on jowar 
also aligns with the sharpened focus of the Government 
on millets for nutrition and climate resilience, besides 
much-needed emphasis on protection for marginal 
farmers in the Indian context.’
Overview of India’s Millet Sector
3
 
India produces all nine commonly known millets. It 
is the fifth-largest exporter of millets in the world. Most 
States in India grow one or more millet crop species. 
India grows over 17 million tons (MT) of millet, which 
amounts to 80% of Asia’s and 20% of global production. 
India recorded 27 per cent growth in millet production 
in 2021-22 over the previous year. Pearl Millet (60%) 
followed by Sorghum (27%), Finger Millet (11%) and 
Small Millets (2%) are the major varieties produced in 
India. The major millet producing States are Rajasthan, 
Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, 
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, 
and Telangana.
India exported millet products worth USD 34.32 
million during 2021-22 compared to USD 26.97 million in 
2020-21 and USD 28.5 million in 2019-20. The countries 
to which India predominantly exports millets are the 
Kurukshetra       August  2023 46
U.A.E, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Oman, Egypt, Tunisia, 
Yemen, the U.K and the U.S.A. The major varieties of 
millets exported by India include Bajra, Ragi, Canary, 
Jawar, and Buckwheat. The major millet-importing 
countries in the world are Indonesia, Belgium, Japan, 
Germany, Mexico, Italy, the U.S.A, the United Kingdom, 
Brazil and the Netherlands. India could look to grow 
its millet exports further by focusing on the markets in 
these countries. 
Government Initiatives to Promote Millets
4
India is taking wide-ranging steps to popularise the 
production, consumption, and export of millets in the 
country. The Government notified millets as nutri-cereals 
in April 2018. Efforts have been made at every level - 
from raising awareness among farmers to developing a 
market for millets. While millets are cultivated in around 
12 States across India, their consumption was less than 
2-3 kg per person per month. This has now increased 
to 14 kg per month. There has also been a 30% rise in 
the sale of millet-based products in the country. Millets 
have now become popular on social media and in cafes. 
At least 19 districts have chosen millets under the ‘One 
District, One Product’ scheme. 
Under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), 
awareness is being created among farmers about 
millets through demonstrations and training. The 
growing market for millets will directly benefit the 2.5 
crore small farmers who are involved in its production. 
Their income levels will rise, and the rural economy 
overall will gain tremendously. From villages, millets are 
reaching malls, markets, and stores across India. Self-
help groups are also engaged in making millet products. 
Food Producer Organisations are also coming forward. 
The result is that the supply chain for millet products is 
getting built and strengthened across India, which will 
not only help farmers but also create jobs. 
Farmers growing millets are supported by the 
remunerative Minimum Support Price (MSP) and 
procurement. During the Kharif season of 2021-22, 
6.29 lakh tonnes of coarse cereals like Bajra, Jowar, 
Maize and Ragi were procured by the Government in 
Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, 
Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh. The 
procurement of millets is expected to double at 13.56 
lakh tonnes, during the year 2022-23 to give further 
impetus to millet farmers. There has been a significant 
rise in the MSP of millets as shown in the charts below.
The Government is popularising millets through 
research and development support. Additionally, 
support is being provided to start-ups and entrepreneurs 
for developing recipes and value-added products that 
promote the consumption of millets. India has more 
than 500 start-ups working in the millet value-added 
chain. The Indian Institute of Millets Research has 
47 Kurukshetra       August  2023
incubated 250 start-ups under the Rashtriya Krishi 
Vikas Yojana - Raftar. The Production-Linked Incentive 
Scheme for the food processing sector can also benefit 
the millet sector as more companies come forward to 
develop millet products. 
The Union Government is implementing Pradhan 
Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN), from 
2021-22 to 2025-26, wherein millets can be used by States/
UTs. Along the same lines as the Wheat Based Nutrition 
Programme, millets are allotted to States and UTs at 
subsidised rates under Anganwadi Services. At least 6 
States–Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Odisha, 
and Tamil Nadu have launched exclusive Millet Missions. 
In order to improve the nutritional status of 
children, the Central Government is encouraging State 
Governments/Union Territory Administrations to 
explore the possibility of introducing millets under the 
PM POSHAN Scheme, preferably in districts where eating 
millets is a culturally accepted food habit. Under NFSM, 
a special programme on millets has been launched in 
212 districts in 14 States. Interventions like cluster 
demonstrations on improved package of practices, 
demonstrations on the cropping system, distribution 
of seeds of High Yielding Varieties (HYVs)/hybrids and 
nutrients are being implemented in collaboration with 
States. 
In 2021, NITI Aayog signed a Statement of Intent 
(SoI) with United Nations World Food Programme 
(WFP) to mainstream millets and support India in taking 
the lead globally in knowledge exchange. NITI Aayog 
has also published a Compendium
5
 titled ‘Promoting 
Millets in Diets: Best Practices across States/UTs of 
India’ to serve as a guiding repository for reviving and 
mainstreaming millets in our diets. The Compendium 
presents a set of innovative practices adopted by State 
Governments and organisations in various aspects of 
the millet value chain especially production, processing, 
and consumption. Three major themes are included in 
the Compendium, i.e., (a) State Missions and initiatives 
to promote millets; (b) Inclusion of millets in ICDS; (c) 
Research and Development and use of technology for 
innovative practices. 
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products 
Export Development Authority (APEDA) has prepared 
a comprehensive strategy to promote Indian millet 
exports across the globe commencing December, 
2022. 
The Union Budget 2022-23 highlighted that support 
would be provided for post-harvest value addition, 
enhancing domestic consumption, and branding millet 
products nationally and internationally. In a post-budget 
webinar focused on the positive impact of the Union 
Budget 2022-23 on the agriculture sector, Prime Minister 
Narendra Modi called upon the corporate world to 
come forward in branding and promoting Indian millets. 
During the launch ceremony of the International Year 
of Nutri-cereals organized by the Food and Agriculture 
Organization (FAO) in Rome, Prime Minister Narendra 
Modi emphasised the importance of making millets 
a food choice for the future. He also highlighted how 
climate change is affecting food availability and the key 
role played by millets in this context due to their climate 
resilience. 
Making ‘Shree Anna’ a Global Movement
India’s motto during its G20 Presidency 
is ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’. The 
International Year of Millets also reflects this 
spirit of considering the whole world as one 
family. India has already taken Yoga to the world 
stage through the celebration of International 
Yoga Day. Today, over 100 countries globally 
are officially promoting Yoga. Similarly, India’s 
efforts on the climate front have borne fruit, with 
over 100 nations joining the International Solar 
Alliance. Through its G20 Presidency, India is 
focusing on globalising Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for 
Environment), where we derive inspiration from 
our heritage and drive change for the benefit 
of society and the environment. ‘Shree Anna’ 
has also been a part of the traditional lifestyle 
in India for centuries. We are well positioned to 
share this knowledge with the world. During the 
100
th
 meeting under India’s G20 Presidency, the 
Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS) 
on ‘Sustainable Agriculture and Food System for 
Healthy People and Planet’ ,it was unanimously 
agreed to launch a millet initiative – MAHARISHI, 
which was proposed by India for research in the 
field of millets. MAHARISHI stands for Millets 
And Other Ancient Grains International Research 
Initiative (MAHARISHI). Its secretariat will be 
housed at Indian Institute of Millets Research 
(IIMR), Hyderabad, with technical support 
from ICRISAT, One CGIAR Centre, and other 
international organisations.
Page 5


Kurukshetra       August  2023 44
Urvashi Prasad
y declaring 2023 as ‘The International 
Year of Millets', the United Nations 
General Assembly has set the tone for 
promoting millets across the world. Millet is a common 
term to categorise small-seeded grasses that are often 
termed nutri-cereals or dryland-cereals and includes 
Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet (Bajra), Finger Millet 
(Ragi), Little Millet (Kutki), Foxtail Millet (Kakun), Proso 
Millet (Cheena), Barnyard Millet (Sawa), Kodo Millet 
(Kodon) and other millets. 
Millets: Key Properties and Benefits
1
Millets are nutritionally superior to wheat and 
rice owing to their higher levels of protein with a more 
balanced amino acid profile. Similarly, the dietary 
fiber content of millet is higher compared to some 
of the staple cereals. Millets also contain various 
B
phytochemicals that exert therapeutic properties 
owing to their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative 
properties. Millet grains are rich sources of nutrients 
like carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, and good-
quality fat. They also have substantially higher amounts 
of minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, 
manganese, zinc, and B complex vitamins, making them 
a preferable choice over cereal grains. 
Millets can help tackle health challenges such as 
obesity, diabetes, and lifestyle problems as they are 
gluten-free and have a low glycemic index. A study was 
undertaken by ICRISAT across four countries, involving 
nearly 1,000 children, adolescents, and adults, to 
understand the impact of the inclusion of millets in 
the diet. The researchers found that millets increased 
haemoglobin levels by as much as 13.2%. Serum ferritin 
The author has been writing extensively on health and food sectors and is Director in the office of Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog. 
Email: urvashi.prasad@nic.in
Widely recognised as ‘smart food’ or 
‘super food’, millets play a crucial role 
in transforming agri-food systems, 
across the globe. They play a pivotal 
role in creating sustainable and 
nutrient sensitive food value chains, 
as they are rich in nutrients, carbon 
neutral, and resource efficient.
Shree Anna for Nutritional Wellbeing Shree Anna for Nutritional Wellbeing
45 Kurukshetra       August  2023
has been shown to increase by an average of 54.7% due 
to millet consumption. Ferritin is an iron-containing 
protein in the blood and a clinical marker for iron 
deficiency.
Widely recognised as ‘smart food’ or ‘super food’, 
millets play a crucial role in transforming agri-food 
systems, across the globe. They play a pivotal role in 
creating sustainable and nutrient sensitive food value 
chains, as they are rich in nutrients, carbon neutral, and 
resource efficient. They are also widely used for human 
consumption, animal fodder, and other untapped 
markets like biofuels and fermentation. 
Millets are the backbone of dry-land agriculture. 
They are hardy, resilient crops that have a low carbon 
and water footprint, can withstand high temperatures, 
grow on poor soils with little or no external inputs, and 
are therefore termed  ‘miracle grains’ or ‘crops of the 
future’. They are the most secure crops for small farmers 
as they are the hardiest, most resilient, and climate- 
adaptable in harsh, hot (up to 50 degrees Celsius) and 
drought-prone environments. Further, millet production 
is not dependent on the use of chemical fertilisers. 
These crops do not attract pests, and a majority of 
millets are not affected by storage pests. These crops 
will be the sustainable food source of the future amidst 
worsening climatic conditions.
Millets in India have been given the identity of 
‘Shree Anna’. As highlighted by the Hon’ble Prime 
Minister, ‘Shree Anna’ means a door to prosperity 
for small farmers of the country; ‘Shree Anna’ means 
forebearer of nutrition for crores of people of the 
country; ‘Shree Anna’ means welfare of the tribal 
society of the country; ‘Shree Anna’ means more crop 
yield with less water; ‘Shree Anna’ means chemical-
free farming; ‘Shree Anna’ means a way to tackle the 
challenge of climate change.
The latest research by Ruth DeFrieset et al. reveals 
that ‘Jowar is India's sustainable alternative to Wheat 
in the face of climate challenges’. The research paper
2
  
titled, ‘Climate resilience of dry season cereals in India’, 
published in Nature’s Scientific Reports examined the 
sensitivity of wheat and Jowar yields to increases in 
temperature and compared water requirements under 
different scenarios. The research revealed that ‘Wheat 
is highly sensitive to increases in maximum daily 
temperature in its multiple stages of growth during 
the post-monsoon, dry winter season. In comparison, 
Jowar is able to handle increases in temperature with 
far less impact on yields. In addition, wheat requires 1.4 
times more water than Jowar owing to the extension of 
its growth cycle into the summer. With future climate 
projections, this study argues that without pragmatic 
changes in managing how wheat is cultivated in India, 
it is likely that the yields will decrease by 5 per cent 
coupled with a significant increase in the water footprint 
by 2040. Jowar, in that case is India’s best bet with its 
meagre 4 per cent increase in the water footprint with 
the same climatic projections. A renewed focus on jowar 
also aligns with the sharpened focus of the Government 
on millets for nutrition and climate resilience, besides 
much-needed emphasis on protection for marginal 
farmers in the Indian context.’
Overview of India’s Millet Sector
3
 
India produces all nine commonly known millets. It 
is the fifth-largest exporter of millets in the world. Most 
States in India grow one or more millet crop species. 
India grows over 17 million tons (MT) of millet, which 
amounts to 80% of Asia’s and 20% of global production. 
India recorded 27 per cent growth in millet production 
in 2021-22 over the previous year. Pearl Millet (60%) 
followed by Sorghum (27%), Finger Millet (11%) and 
Small Millets (2%) are the major varieties produced in 
India. The major millet producing States are Rajasthan, 
Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, 
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, 
and Telangana.
India exported millet products worth USD 34.32 
million during 2021-22 compared to USD 26.97 million in 
2020-21 and USD 28.5 million in 2019-20. The countries 
to which India predominantly exports millets are the 
Kurukshetra       August  2023 46
U.A.E, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Oman, Egypt, Tunisia, 
Yemen, the U.K and the U.S.A. The major varieties of 
millets exported by India include Bajra, Ragi, Canary, 
Jawar, and Buckwheat. The major millet-importing 
countries in the world are Indonesia, Belgium, Japan, 
Germany, Mexico, Italy, the U.S.A, the United Kingdom, 
Brazil and the Netherlands. India could look to grow 
its millet exports further by focusing on the markets in 
these countries. 
Government Initiatives to Promote Millets
4
India is taking wide-ranging steps to popularise the 
production, consumption, and export of millets in the 
country. The Government notified millets as nutri-cereals 
in April 2018. Efforts have been made at every level - 
from raising awareness among farmers to developing a 
market for millets. While millets are cultivated in around 
12 States across India, their consumption was less than 
2-3 kg per person per month. This has now increased 
to 14 kg per month. There has also been a 30% rise in 
the sale of millet-based products in the country. Millets 
have now become popular on social media and in cafes. 
At least 19 districts have chosen millets under the ‘One 
District, One Product’ scheme. 
Under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), 
awareness is being created among farmers about 
millets through demonstrations and training. The 
growing market for millets will directly benefit the 2.5 
crore small farmers who are involved in its production. 
Their income levels will rise, and the rural economy 
overall will gain tremendously. From villages, millets are 
reaching malls, markets, and stores across India. Self-
help groups are also engaged in making millet products. 
Food Producer Organisations are also coming forward. 
The result is that the supply chain for millet products is 
getting built and strengthened across India, which will 
not only help farmers but also create jobs. 
Farmers growing millets are supported by the 
remunerative Minimum Support Price (MSP) and 
procurement. During the Kharif season of 2021-22, 
6.29 lakh tonnes of coarse cereals like Bajra, Jowar, 
Maize and Ragi were procured by the Government in 
Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, 
Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh. The 
procurement of millets is expected to double at 13.56 
lakh tonnes, during the year 2022-23 to give further 
impetus to millet farmers. There has been a significant 
rise in the MSP of millets as shown in the charts below.
The Government is popularising millets through 
research and development support. Additionally, 
support is being provided to start-ups and entrepreneurs 
for developing recipes and value-added products that 
promote the consumption of millets. India has more 
than 500 start-ups working in the millet value-added 
chain. The Indian Institute of Millets Research has 
47 Kurukshetra       August  2023
incubated 250 start-ups under the Rashtriya Krishi 
Vikas Yojana - Raftar. The Production-Linked Incentive 
Scheme for the food processing sector can also benefit 
the millet sector as more companies come forward to 
develop millet products. 
The Union Government is implementing Pradhan 
Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN), from 
2021-22 to 2025-26, wherein millets can be used by States/
UTs. Along the same lines as the Wheat Based Nutrition 
Programme, millets are allotted to States and UTs at 
subsidised rates under Anganwadi Services. At least 6 
States–Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Odisha, 
and Tamil Nadu have launched exclusive Millet Missions. 
In order to improve the nutritional status of 
children, the Central Government is encouraging State 
Governments/Union Territory Administrations to 
explore the possibility of introducing millets under the 
PM POSHAN Scheme, preferably in districts where eating 
millets is a culturally accepted food habit. Under NFSM, 
a special programme on millets has been launched in 
212 districts in 14 States. Interventions like cluster 
demonstrations on improved package of practices, 
demonstrations on the cropping system, distribution 
of seeds of High Yielding Varieties (HYVs)/hybrids and 
nutrients are being implemented in collaboration with 
States. 
In 2021, NITI Aayog signed a Statement of Intent 
(SoI) with United Nations World Food Programme 
(WFP) to mainstream millets and support India in taking 
the lead globally in knowledge exchange. NITI Aayog 
has also published a Compendium
5
 titled ‘Promoting 
Millets in Diets: Best Practices across States/UTs of 
India’ to serve as a guiding repository for reviving and 
mainstreaming millets in our diets. The Compendium 
presents a set of innovative practices adopted by State 
Governments and organisations in various aspects of 
the millet value chain especially production, processing, 
and consumption. Three major themes are included in 
the Compendium, i.e., (a) State Missions and initiatives 
to promote millets; (b) Inclusion of millets in ICDS; (c) 
Research and Development and use of technology for 
innovative practices. 
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products 
Export Development Authority (APEDA) has prepared 
a comprehensive strategy to promote Indian millet 
exports across the globe commencing December, 
2022. 
The Union Budget 2022-23 highlighted that support 
would be provided for post-harvest value addition, 
enhancing domestic consumption, and branding millet 
products nationally and internationally. In a post-budget 
webinar focused on the positive impact of the Union 
Budget 2022-23 on the agriculture sector, Prime Minister 
Narendra Modi called upon the corporate world to 
come forward in branding and promoting Indian millets. 
During the launch ceremony of the International Year 
of Nutri-cereals organized by the Food and Agriculture 
Organization (FAO) in Rome, Prime Minister Narendra 
Modi emphasised the importance of making millets 
a food choice for the future. He also highlighted how 
climate change is affecting food availability and the key 
role played by millets in this context due to their climate 
resilience. 
Making ‘Shree Anna’ a Global Movement
India’s motto during its G20 Presidency 
is ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’. The 
International Year of Millets also reflects this 
spirit of considering the whole world as one 
family. India has already taken Yoga to the world 
stage through the celebration of International 
Yoga Day. Today, over 100 countries globally 
are officially promoting Yoga. Similarly, India’s 
efforts on the climate front have borne fruit, with 
over 100 nations joining the International Solar 
Alliance. Through its G20 Presidency, India is 
focusing on globalising Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for 
Environment), where we derive inspiration from 
our heritage and drive change for the benefit 
of society and the environment. ‘Shree Anna’ 
has also been a part of the traditional lifestyle 
in India for centuries. We are well positioned to 
share this knowledge with the world. During the 
100
th
 meeting under India’s G20 Presidency, the 
Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS) 
on ‘Sustainable Agriculture and Food System for 
Healthy People and Planet’ ,it was unanimously 
agreed to launch a millet initiative – MAHARISHI, 
which was proposed by India for research in the 
field of millets. MAHARISHI stands for Millets 
And Other Ancient Grains International Research 
Initiative (MAHARISHI). Its secretariat will be 
housed at Indian Institute of Millets Research 
(IIMR), Hyderabad, with technical support 
from ICRISAT, One CGIAR Centre, and other 
international organisations.
Kurukshetra       August  2023 48
India is poised to become a global millet hub if all 
States and UTs maximize their participation. Some of 
the key initiatives that States/UTs can implement for the 
promotion of millets in the daily diet include:
a) Awareness programmes on the health benefits of 
various millet grains.
b) Millet melas and events to publicise the inclusion 
of millets in the daily food habits of farmers and 
consumers at the State-/District- level.
c) Training and promotional campaigns on millet 
cultivation for farmers and Farmer Producer 
Organisations, at the district, gram panchayat, and 
block levels.
d) Chaupals for millet related awareness sessions at 
the gram panchayat level.
e) Awareness about improved millet production, seed 
production. and technologies with mechanisation, 
identification of village clusters for promotion of 
millets.
f) Distribution of seed mini kits to farmers.
g) Orientation of farmers on new age practices for 
branding, labeling, packaging, and export markets,
h) Promotion of millets cultivation across fallow and 
degraded lands.
i) Supplementation of millets in Integrated Child 
Development Services, Mid-Day Meal, Public 
Distribution System. and other State funded 
programmes. ‘Shree Anna’ has been included by 
several States in their Public Distribution System. 
This can be replicated in other States too.  
j) Engaging hotel associations for popularising millet 
recipes and enabling value addition. ?
References
1. https://static.pib. gov.in/WriteReadData/
specificdocs/documen ts/2022/de c/
doc20221226147401.pdf
2. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-
37109-w#article-info
3. https://stati c. pi b. gov. i n/Wri teReadData/
spe cificdocs/docume n ts/2022/de c/
doc20221226147401.pdf
4. https://stati c. pi b. gov. i n/Wri teReadData/
spe cificdocs/docume n ts/2022/de c/
doc20221226147401.pdf
5. https://niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2023-04/
Re por t-on-P rom ot ing -B e st-pra c t ic e s-on-
Millets-26_4_23.pdf
Proposed Initiatives by States/UTs for 
Promoting Millets in India