Barnyard Millets in the FieldMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Ancient Origins
Millets have a long history of cultivation and trade, dating back thousands of years. Archaeological finds prove millets were an important part of the prehistoric diet of Indian, Chinese, and Korean societies.
India and the Silk Road, 3 sheets from the wall map Quattro Parte Del Mondo (1579) by Giovanni Francesco CamocioKalakriti Archives
Among the earliest domesticated crops, evidence suggests that millets were traded along ancient trade routes, including the Silk Road.
Young Proso MilletMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Crossing over
Proso millet, for example, came to India via China.
Fufu and Ofe Owerri Soup (2019)The Centenary Project
Korean cuisine also has traditional millet dishes, such as Ogokbap (made with more than five kinds of millet grain), as does African cuisine (millet porridge, fermented gruel, pancakes made from fermented millet paste, fufu).
Wine Vessel (Fanglei) (12th/11th century B.C.) by ChineseThe Art Institute of Chicago
Millet beer is a traditional drink in many parts of Asia and Africa.
Initiation of the Green Revolution by Aaryama Somyaji
Millets lose their place in the sun
Despite being a staple for centuries, millets began to lose favour as global consumption of rice and wheat rose. India’s Green Revolution in the 1960s saw a push to increase production and consumption of these cereal crops, previously imported into the country. Millets slowly vanished from farms and kitchens.
Today, their contribution to the Indian food basket has dwindled to 6%.
Physiology of milletsMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
The great millet comeback
Millets are back on the radar thanks to their climate-resilience, amazing nutritional benefits and the role they play in regenerative agriculture.
Pancakes Made with Foxtail Millets and SorghumMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Gluten-free millets also fit right in to 21st-century lifestyles, helping manage lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and obesity, and appealing to vegans and vegetarians looking for a high-protein and nutrient-rich food to add to their diets.
Harvested Millet Cobs on the FarmMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Make way for millets
India is the world's largest millet producer, responsible for 20% of global production. Yet, it only exports 1% of its output, and is the world’s fifth-largest exporter.
Shopkeepers at an Organic Products StoreMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
The Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) of India aims to diversify and create new markets for millets by raising awareness of them at global food trade fairs and exhibitions, tying up with importers in new markets, and also encouraging non-resident Indians abroad to incorporate millets in their diets through Indian and international supermarkets and Indian restaurants. There is also a push to produce and export more value-added millet products.
Snacks made with Foxtail Millets, Pearl Millets and Finger MilletsMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
A $100 billion dollar opportunity
In 2022 - 2023, India exported millets worth $75.43 million, primarily to the Middle East, Nepal, Bangladesh, Japan, and the United States. In 2024, that number is set to rise to $100 million, including the export of value-added millet products.
Millet postersMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
To tap into this demand for value-added millet products (often from developed markets), investments in technologies that process millets more efficiently (especially small millets) is crucial, as is further research into increasing the shelf life of millet products.
Jowar Cookies Served with Coffee (Sorghum Millets)Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Home and away - a rising demand for millets
Pre-made millet mixes, pastas, cookies, noodles, pizza bases, and ready-to-eat snacks are now easily available. Like craft breweries in Africa and America, some Indian craft breweries are also experimenting with gluten-free or gluten-reduced millet beer.
Malvani Jack & Jowar Taco
Millets increasingly feature on the menus of high-end and hyperlocal Indian restaurants, creating a more sustained demand. More health-conscious Indians are also learning how to cook with them at home.
Text and images courtesy Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India
