NITI Aayog Releases Report – Promoting Millets in Diets: Best Practices across States/UTs of India

Source: The post is based on the article “NITI Aayog Releases Report – Promoting Millets in Diets: Best Practices across States/UTs of India” published in PIB on 27th April 2023

What is the News?

NITI Aayog has released a report titled “Promoting Millets in Diets: Best Practices across States/UTs of India”.

What is the purpose of the Promoting Millets in Diets report?

The report presents a set of good and innovative practices adopted by state governments and organizations in various aspects of millet value- chain, especially production, processing and consumption. 

What are the key highlights from the Promoting Millets in Diets report?

State Missions and Initiatives to Promote Millets: Odisha Millet Mission launched in 2017 with the aim to revive millets on farms and plates have been the flag bearer in this regard as it simultaneously focuses on production, processing, consumption, marketing and inclusion of millets in government schemes. 

– Other State Mission worth highlighting are Comprehensive Revival Of Millet Cultivation by Tribals in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh Millet Mission, and Bhavantar Bharpayee Yojana of Haryana among others.

Millet Production in India: India produces all the nine commonly known traditional millets viz. Sorghum, Pearl Millet, Finger Millet, Foxtail Millet, Proso Millet, Little Millet, Barnyard Millet, Browntop Millet and Kodo Millet. 

– Millets are also the most secure crops for small farmers as they are resilient and climate adaptable in both hot and drought environments.

– However, the area under cultivation of various millets in India has been declining. For instance, the total area of cropland harvesting the three major millet crops i.e. jowar, bajra and ragi grew in India has almost halved across the country since 1966.

The reasons for this decline can be attributed to:

-Promotion of rice and wheat vis-a-vis millet production and lack of suitable initiatives towards millets.

-Low margins associated with millet production vis-a-vis other crops have created disincentives for millet farmers. 

-The relatively shorter shelf life of the crops creates storage-related concerns and gives rise to risks of spoilage.

-Further, changes in lifestyle and consumer tastes, coupled with the unavailability of ready-to-eat millets have contributed to lower demand.

What are the initiatives taken by the Government of India to promote Millet?