Sprawling Millet FieldMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
What are millets?
Millets are small-seeded grasses from Asia and Africa that were first cultivated thousands of years ago.
Bajra (Pearl Millet) Roti Eaten as a MealMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
90 million
90 million people worldwide count on millets as an integral part of their diet even today.
Bag of Kodo MilletsMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Traditional grains
Before rice and wheat became mainstream in the 1960s, millets were ingrained in Indian culture, with songs and festivals celebrating them.
Ragi Laddoo (Finger Millets)Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Delicious grains!
They’re nutritionally-rich superfoods that can help fight food insecurity. They’re also gluten-free.
Farmer Handling Millet SeedlingsMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Climate-smart millets
They’re tough, they’re hardy, they require significantly less water than rice for cultivation. That’s why we call them climate-change champions!
Different Types of MilletsMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Celebrating millets
The UN threw these versatile grains a year-long party in 2023, with the International Year of Millets.
Text and images courtesy Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India