2. Millets
Encompass a diverse group of cereals
including Pearl (Bajra), Sorghum
(Jowar), Finger (Ragi), and Small
Millets (Proso, Foxtail, Barnyard,
Little, Kodo, Browntop, Guinea,
Fonio, Teff).
Often called “Nutri-Cereals” due to
their high nutritional content
compared to commonly grown
cereals like wheat, rice or corn.
Millets use 70% less water than rice,
grow in half the time of wheat.
3. What is International Year of Millet (IYOM)?
2023
India declared 2018 as the National Year of Millets, aiming at larger
promotion and demand generation for the produce. Millets were
rebranded as “Nutri Cereals” during the year.
Following a proposal from India, United Nations declared 2023 as the
International Year of Millets. Through this, India aims to position itself as
global source and processing hub for millets.
2018
GOALS
To promote cultivation of millets and create awareness about their
suitability for cultivation under adverse and changing climatic
conditions.
To highlight the ways to create market opportunities for producers
and consumers.
To raise awareness on the nutritional benefits of millets.
Millets are rich in:
• Dietary fiber
• Anti oxidants
• Protein
• Mineral (Iron)
• Gluten free
• Low glycemic index (good for diabetic patients)
To contribute to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) :
4. Approach to Execute IYOM
Food Sector
Prioritizing the production and trade of millets
Promoting innovative methods for harvest and post-harvest
Encouraging use of millets in public meal programs, such as those
at schools and hospitals
Increasing production and promotion of millets-based products.
Increased investments into the R&D on millets, covering nutritional
values and benefits, and farming practices such as mechanisation
Using millets in menus and recipes by influencers and chefs, and
advocating for increasing inclusion in daily diet
Government and Policy Makers
Facilitating access to financial support, millet-specific training, farming
equipment and new technologies.
Working with farmers to share best practices for cultivating millets
and provide farmers with training and ways to better connect to the
market.
Private Sector & NGOs IYOM In the News
5. Indian Millet Industry Snapshot
Earliest evidence of Millet cultivation was found in Indus civilization,
dating back to 3000 BC.
Millets are classified as Ancient Grains, and were the first plants
domesticated for food.
Millets are grown in 131 countries, and is a traditional food for 59 crore
people in Asia & Africa.
Region Production (lakh ton)
Africa 423
Americas 193
Asia 215
Europe 20
Australia and New Zealand 12
India 173
World 863
Global Millet Production
Region Production (lakh ton)
Rajasthan ~68 Bajra, Jowar
Uttar Pradesh ~35 Bajra
Haryana ~21 Bajra
Gujarat ~19 Bajra
Others ~30 Jowar, Ragi
India 173
India Millet Production
6. Schemes
PLI scheme for Millet-Based Products (PLISMBP)
The Government has launched Production Linked Incentive Scheme for
Food Processing Industry for Millet-based products (PLISMBP) for
implementation during 2022-23 to 2026-27 with an outlay of Rs 800
Crores through Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).
Objectives for the scheme are as below:
To encourage the use of millets in Ready to Eat (RTE) and Ready to
Cook (RTC) products.
To increase sale in domestic and exports markets.
Scope of PLI (Segments)
Breakfast cereals and Bars
Muesli & breakfast cereals, puffs, flakes, granola,
breakfast protein bars
Bakery Products
Millet cookies, Cakes, Rusks
Snacks/ RTC & RTE
Noodles, Pasta, chips & crisps, Bread, Papad, Khakhra,
Ice creams, extruded snacks
Mixes
Dosa, Idli, Upma, Pongal, Khichdi, Soup
RTD Beverages
Millet based Instant. Drink Mix (Powdered/ liquid)
7. Millet-based Product Launches in India (2017-2022)
Nutritional Beverages saw the highest growth of millet-based products, in terms of number of launches, over the past 5 years. Millet-based products
have conventionally been popular in Bakery, Snacks, Breakfast Cereals and Side dish categories.