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Writer's pictureDarshan Chhatraya

Millets: How the Indian Government's Push and Export Potential are Reviving Forgotten Grains

Millets are a group of small-seeded, highly nutritious grains that have been cultivated for centuries. They are known for their resilience, being able to thrive in harsh conditions with minimal water and soil fertility requirements. In recent years, millets have gained renewed interest due to their numerous health benefits and potential to contribute to food security.


Benefits of millets

Millets are packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are also gluten-free, making them a good option for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Some of the key benefits of millets include:

  • High nutritional value: Millets are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. For example, finger millet is rich in calcium, iron, and magnesium, while pearl millet is a good source of protein and fiber.

  • Gluten-free: Millets are naturally gluten-free, making them a good option for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

  • Low glycemic index: Millets have a low glycemic index, which means they release sugar slowly into the bloodstream. This can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

  • Climate-resilient: Millets are drought-resistant and can grow in poor soil conditions. This makes them an important crop for food security in areas affected by climate change.


The Indian government's millet mission

The Indian government has recognized the potential of millets and launched the National Millet Mission in 2018. The mission aims to increase millet production, consumption, and exports by providing financial assistance to farmers, promoting research and development, and creating market linkages.


Why the Indian Government is Championing Millets

  • Nutritional Security: Millets are packed with protein, minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium), dietary fiber, and antioxidants, surpassing even rice and wheat in some aspects. This makes them valuable tools in combating malnutrition, especially in vulnerable populations.

  • Climate Resilience: Millets thrive in drylands and require minimal water, making them ideal for adapting to climate change and ensuring food security in water-scarce regions.

  • Farmer Livelihoods: Millets require fewer inputs and offer higher returns compared to water-intensive crops like rice. The government aims to empower farmers, particularly small and marginal ones, by promoting millet cultivation.

  • Economic Potential: With growing global demand for healthy and sustainable food options, millets present a significant export opportunity for India, a leading producer and exporter of diverse millet varieties.


Government Initiatives and Financial Benefits

The Indian government offers various financial assistance schemes to support millet cultivation, processing, and marketing. These schemes are aimed at making millet farming more attractive and profitable for farmers, thereby boosting production and exports.

Declaration of 2023 as International Year of Millets: This global campaign raised awareness and led to various promotional activities by India.

National Food Security Mission (NFSM): Provides financial assistance for various activities related to millet cultivation, including seed mini-kits, demonstration plots, and capacity building. The subsidy amount varies depending on the activity and state.

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY): This scheme provides grants to states for various agricultural development activities, including millet cultivation. The subsidy amount is determined by the state government based on its specific needs and priorities.

Subsidy on farm implements: Some states offer subsidies on the purchase of farm implements specifically used for millet cultivation.


Loans

Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Farmers can avail KCC loans from banks at concessional interest rates for various agricultural activities, including millet cultivation. The loan amount depends on the landholding and creditworthiness of the farmer.

NABARD: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) offers various loan schemes for millet farmers, such as the Integrated Millet Development Programme (IMDP) and the Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF). The loan amounts and interest rates vary depending on the scheme and the specific needs of the borrower.


Minimum Support Price (MSP)

The government announces an MSP for certain millet varieties each year, which acts as a guaranteed price at which farmers can sell their produce. This provides some level of income security for farmers and encourages them to continue cultivating millets.


Other Schemes

Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet Based Products (PLISMBP): This scheme provides incentives to food processing units for manufacturing and exporting millet-based products. The incentive amount depends on the product category and export value.

Cluster development program: The government supports the development of millet clusters, which provide infrastructure, technical assistance, and market linkages to farmers and processors.

Branding and Promotion: Efforts are underway to brand millets under the "Shree Anna" label and promote their value-added products.



Export opportunities for millets

The global market for millets is growing, driven by increasing awareness of their health benefits. India is the world's largest producer of millets, and the government is taking steps to boost millet exports. Some of the initiatives include:

Developing a millet export portal: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has developed a millet export portal to provide information on Indian millets to potential buyers around the world. Here is the link to the millet export portal: https://apeda.gov.in/milletportal/

Participating in international trade fairs: APEDA participates in international trade fairs to promote Indian millets to potential buyers.

Providing financial assistance to exporters: APEDA provides financial assistance to registered exporters of millets under the Agriculture & Processed Food Export Promotion Scheme.


Financial data on exports of millets

  • Millet production in India reached 15.73 million tonnes in 2022-23, registering a 4% increase.

  • Exports crossed 2 lakh tonnes in 2021-22, with a target of 5 lakh tonnes set for 2023-24.

  • India exported millets worth $75.46 million in the year 2022-23, against $62.95 million in 2021-22.

  • The global millet market is expected to reach $12.3 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 7.3%.

  • The Indian government has allocated Rs. 10,000 crore (approximately $1.2 billion) for the National Millet Mission.

  • Estimated export value is expected to reach USD 500 million by 2025.

  • MSP increase for millets like Jowar and Ragi led to a 50% jump in procurement in 2022-23.


Conclusion

Millets are a nutritious and climate-resilient crop with the potential to improve food security and nutrition. The Indian government's millet mission is a positive step towards promoting the cultivation and consumption of millets. With increasing global demand and government support, millets are poised to become a major player in the food industry.

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