Dynamics of major millets in India

Abstract

The study “Dynamics of Major Millets in India” examines 40 years of trends in sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet using secondary data and statistical tools. It finds a consistent decline in cultivation area especially for sorghum and finger millet due to policy bias, urbanization, and dietary shifts. Despite this, productivity, particularly of pearl millet, has improved. Millet consumption has dropped but shows signs of revival driven by health awareness. Export growth was initially strong but has declined recently, with finger millet showing high instability. Regression analysis reveals that finger millet exports benefit from higher production and farm prices, while sorghum exports are limited by strong domestic demand and pricing. The study concludes that millets can regain prominence through focused policies, improved infrastructure, and better market integration.