Jars of Different MilletsMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Hunger - a global problem
Hunger is a global problem, with 44 countries having alarming or serious levels of hunger in 2022, and another 20 countries with GHI scores that are worse today than in 2014.
Millet Farmer's FamilyMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
The GHI score is based on four indicators: undernutrition, child stunting, child wasting and child mortality.
Fields Affected by Climate ChangeMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Breaking it down
Conflict, an increasing incidence of climate events, depletion of natural resources and unequal distribution of food all contribute to global food insecurity.
A Woman Farming and Harvesting MaizeMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Building equitable and inclusive food systems is vital, and involves centring smaller local producers, farmers and indigenous groups, conscious consumers and a greater awareness of nutritious and climate-resilient crops such as millets.
Millet postersMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Millets are nutritional powerhouses
A good source of protein, fibre, key vitamins, and minerals, millets are beneficial for cardiovascular health, preventing the onset of diabetes, lowering bad cholesterol, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, and managing gut inflammation.
Different Millets Grown in IndiaMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
On average, millets contain 7-12% protein, 2-5% fat, 65-75% carbohydrates and 15-20% dietary fibre.
Bajra (Pearl Millet) Roti Eaten as a MealMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
State governments such as those of Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have introduced iron, calcium and protein-rich millet-based dishes as part of their childrens’ midday meal programmes in schools in an effort to boost nutrition.
Woman Winnowing Millet GrainsMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Boosting food security locally
Millets are a key part of Poshan Abhiyan – a program that aims to improve the nutritional status of children from 0-6 years, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers by bridging dietary gaps with a focus on millets.
Laddoos made with Finger MilletsMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
The high iron and calcium content in millets like ragi helps fight anemia, and promote strong bone health, in these vulnerable groups.
Pearl Millet CobsMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Millets can help build more robust food systems
Millets are hardy, rain-fed dryland crops that can grow in even acidic or saline soil conditions in drought-prone areas.
Sorghum FieldsMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
A low-cost, high yield alternative to traditional cereal crops, millets are climate smart, naturally resistant to pests, and rarely fail as crops, despite erratic rainfall and extreme temperatures.
Whether grown on their own or as part of an intercropping system, they can help mitigate the effects of a poor harvest of other crops.
Farmer Handling Millet SeedlingsMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Self-sufficiency for smallholder farmers
Smallholder farmers in developing countries often grow millets. By promoting millet cultivation and improving access to markets, smallholder farmers can diversify their income sources, enhance their livelihoods, and reduce dependence on a single crop.
Interview with the farmerMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
This diversification can help improve food security at the household and community levels.
Hear from a farmer, on how millets are planted around the year.
Woman Farmer Proudly Showing Her HarvestMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Women farmers, who form the backbone of India’s agrarian economy, can also achieve self-sufficiency for their families through the cultivation of millets.
Millets Stored for WholesaleMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Beyond self-sufficiency, increased local and global demand for millets could help improve farmers’ livelihoods.
Local Mill Displaying Millet ProductsMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Affordability and accessibility
Millets are often more affordable than other cereals, making them an accessible and nutritious food source for lower-income populations.
Millet postersMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Diversifying food production to include millets can contribute to price stability and reduce the vulnerability of communities to fluctuating food prices. Millets are now a part of India’s Public Distribution Food System.
Text and images courtesy Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India
